Every year or so when we go to the doctor for a check-up, he or she invariably asks some questions, especially if we have put on weight or if our blood pressure and cholesterol are out of whack.
“Have you been eating lots of fatty foods?” Well, I guess maybe I have.
“Have you been watching your cholesterol as we discussed last year?” I suppose not.
“Have you been exercising?” I joined the YMCA after Christmas.
“Good, but have you been exercising?”
We were hoping that by saying “I joined the YMCA,” the doctor would let the question slide, but he doesn’t buy it. We may have the membership card, but carrying the card around in our wallets doesn’t keep us healthy.
“Belonging” to a group does not ensure that we automatically accept the responsibilities or enjoy the privileges the group offers. At times, even with the best of intentions, we fall into a herd mentality: Maybe if I just join up I’ll reap the benefits by osmosis – and at least signing up will make me feel better
Jesus said there is a narrow gate leading to the kingdom, and entering it involves responding to his teaching.
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ’Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ’I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ’We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, “I do not know where you are from’” (Luke 13:24-27).
Jesus’ image is about the kingdom of heaven, and the master’s “arising” refers to his resurrection. He makes the point that at the resurrection of the dead, those ready for the kingdom are those who truly followed him. Just being at the dinner party with him, or milling about within earshot of his words, or following him curiously through the streets of Jerusalem is not the same as following him. It is not enough to join the curious crowd, to merely dabble in Christianity. It is a matter of personal commitment.
Perhaps there were some among Jesus’ hearers and in the early Church who thought that merely associating with the throng of Christians would be enough to enter the kingdom of heaven – a way of covering all the bases. No, Jesus said, there is an invitation to the kingdom, and his Father awaits our response and our follow-through.
When we approach St. Peter at heavens’ gates, and he asks if we followed Jesus in this life, the right answer will not be, “Well, I belonged to St. Mary Parish.” Peter’s question would really mean, “Did you accept the Lord’s invitation, walk in his steps, follow his example, take up your cross, make a personal commitment … and not just fall in with the herd?”
Jesus makes it abundantly clear that absolutely everyone is invited to the kingdom of heaven, and our heavenly Father gives us every opportunity to enter the narrow gate. He teaches us and guides us, receives us back when we stray, gives us 77 second chances, and seeks our attention in every way possible. He does not want us to be full of fear and anxiety about whether we will make it to the kingdom – after all, he wants us there with him, forever.
But following Jesus involves a response from us, imperfect and awkward as that may be. The good news is that, as we respond, we will experience the blessings of the kingdom and thirst for more. God will be with us every step of the way, providing everything we need on the journey.
Do you have an intention for Bishop Sartain’s prayer? If so, send it to him at Bishop Sartain’s Prayer List, Diocese of Little Rock, 2500 North Tyler St., P.O. Box 7239, Little Rock, AR 72217.
