Enter by the narrow gate.
For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and
many there are who enter that way. How
narrow the gate and close the way that leads to life! And few there are who find it. Matt. 7: 13-14
Fr. Damian, who celebrated Mass at the Abbey, this morning,
said that he thinks the “narrow gate,” is the present moment. Thinking of the past, i.e., it’s hurts,
broken dreams, and wishes never fulfilled, will not only lead you into
depression, it is a real distraction from your present. And thinking of the future is really
silly. It doesn't exist. It’s a concept. It’s a waste of time because it may never be.
Why is it so difficult, to be satisfied with the here and
now? Personally, I blame Satan. He is always showing us where we failed in
the past. He makes sure the hurt is in
the forefront. He won't let go, and the
past is always a monkey on our back.
Satan uses the past to cause anxiety about the future. Satan gives the worst predictions and we
worry that they might be true.
Satan drives us crazy.
We need to trust in God. We came
through the past, and we’ll always come through. Let God do the worrying; He’s in charge.
Lately, I’ve been using my mantra. I sit quietly and concentrate on calming my
breathing. I pray while inhaling , “All
is passing.” Then I exhale, and pray, “God,
alone abiding.”
This brings me to the narrow gate.
