Msgr. Joseph Prior
(See the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time)
“Go with the flow,” the young man said to his friend. They were just pulling off the shore in their canoe. Many people were boating on the river that day. The current was moving but seemed harmless as the two friends set out. It was new territory for them as they had never navigated this river. “Are you sure this is a good course?” asked the friend. “Yes, everyone is following this way, look at all the other boats.” The day was “smooth sailing” as the two headed downstream with little effort.
As the day progressed, however, the current became stronger. The one friend said to the other, “Maybe we should navigate closer to shore in case we need to pull over.” “No worries,” came the reply, “just go with the flow.” In mid-afternoon everything seemed fine. They were moving at a good pace now, and with leisurely effort they continued to roll downstream though at this point the current was getting even stronger.
It was getting to be early evening when the two noticed they were having trouble navigating the river as the current was now speedily pulling them farther and farther downstream. The shore line was visible but at a good distance now. They hadn’t noticed that the many other vessels that had been on the river at the start of the day were gone now. “Maybe it’s time to pull over; no one else is out here,” said the friend. “No worries, just go with the flow.”
By this point it was too late to do anything; the current continued to pick up speed as they were pulled along. They could not paddle to the shore because the current was too swift. “Look ahead,” the friend called out, “waterfall.” “Paddle, paddle,” the other friend cried. But it was too late, the flow took them over the falls.
“Go with the flow” is a familiar saying. It is similar to “don’t rock the boat,” “take it easy,” “bend with the wind,” “roll with it,” “move with the times,” “follow the crowd” and “keep in step.” To varying degrees these sayings have in common the notion that it is better not to disturb the regular routine or common practice, not to stand out from the crowd nor to point out something that is wrong. These types of sayings work in some situations, usually where a common-sense approach is needed. However, they can become dangerous if used as a principle for life.
Jesus reminds us this in this Sunday’s Gospel that the way to life is challenging and demanding. He says: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” Perhaps in this area the image that comes to mind when we hear the word “gate” may be the entry way to a yard, or possibly a property or campus.
It may be helpful to think of the “gate” in this saying as one of thick, multi-layered entryways to large cities and towns in the ancient world. These gates are part of the stone or brick walls and fortifications that go around the population center to protect the people of that area in times of danger. The walls will not move so if a large number of people are trying to get in at the same time it would be a struggle, a challenge. Strength will be needed.
Jesus invites us to consider the way to life as the “narrow gate.” We might say that the Kingdom of God is like a narrow gate. In John’s Gospel Jesus applies this image to himself saying: “I am the gate;” and in another place in that Gospel: “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The image of the “gate” focuses our attention on Jesus. The narrowness of this gate may point to him as well. Jesus doesn’t teach like everyone else; early in the public ministry people were amazed at his teaching for “he taught with authority and not like the scribes.” The way to enter the Kingdom of God is through Christ. He will lead us through the gate, and sometimes he will even carry us through the gate. The strength required comes through faith – faith in Christ Jesus.
Jesus then offers a parable for us to ponder. The master has locked the door. People are now trying to get in but the door is already locked. They beg but he tells them: “I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!” Jesus applies this parable to his immediate audience saying: “And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
In a particular way Jesus is speaking to the leaders of the people who have rejected him. They have been offered the opportunity to believe. They have refused. They are excluding themselves from the kingdom by rejecting the King. He has offered them entry but they, erroneously, think they can enter on their own terms, following their own way. They cannot enter.
Since these are the leaders of the Jews they are considered the “first.” As part of the covenant, they were the first to receive God’s word and his way. But because they now reject Jesus, they reject God and in doing so become the “last.” Those who do accept Jesus are the “last.” These are people from all over the world – north, south, east and west – who are not defined by position or status or wealth but by faith in Jesus. Through that faith, they have become “first.”
“Going with the flow” might work as a guide in casual social situations but it will not work for the larger goals of life. Jesus invites us to consider him as the way to life. He is that narrow gate. Faith in Jesus gives us strength to enter and to share in the riches of his Kingdom.
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Msgr. Joseph Prior is pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Read more reflections by Msgr. Joseph Prior here.
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