On the island of Gozo in Malta are many cliffs and caves by the ocean. Part of our trip was to ride a small boat through these caves. As we stood by the quay, we saw the narrow entrances to the caves. We couldn’t help but be a little anxious.

We passed through dimly lit caverns, and after a while, we could see light. What met our eyes as we exited was one of the glorious sights we have ever seen—the vast ocean against clear blue skies.

The colors of the waters were amazing—emerald greens and crimson reds mixed with fuchsia. The colors were because of corals that grew on the rocks underneath the water.

Such also is our life journey.

We go through struggles, tests, and hardship like going through dark, narrow doors. But if we hold on to our faith and unwavering trust in God, our narrow gates will lead to a crown—eternal life. Rolly España (rollyespana53@gmail.com)

reflect

There are many easy ways to hell, but only one narrow way to heaven. But as Scripture promises, the present suffering is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us (Romans 8:18).

Father in heaven, make my faith steadfast and strong so I will be able to overcome all trials and temptations in life. Amen.

St. Thomas More, martyr, pray for us.

Abraham gave Lot the first choice of the lands at their disposal. Lot chose the most fertile lands and left Abraham with mostly semi-arid desert. This shows Abraham’s deep trust in the Lord’s providence. He trusted that God would provide for his needs despite the aridity of the land. Later, we see Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command. Is there a more faithful and trusting man in human history?

² Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. ⁵ Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, ⁶ so that the land could not support them if they stayed together; their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. ⁷ There were quarrels between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and those of Lot’s. (At this time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were occupying the land.) ⁸ So Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are kinsmen. ⁹ Is not the whole land at your disposal? Please separate from me. If you prefer the left, I will go to the right; if you prefer the right, I will go to the left.” ¹⁰ Lot looked about and saw how well watered the whole Jordan Plain was as far as Zoar, like the Lord’s own garden, or like Egypt. (This was before the Lord had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) ¹¹ Lot, therefore, chose for himself the whole Jordan Plain and set out eastward. Thus they separated from each other. ¹² Abram stayed in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the Plain, pitching his tents near Sodom. ¹³ Now the inhabitants of Sodom were very wicked in the sins they committed against the Lord. ¹⁴ After Lot had left, the Lord said to Abram, “Look about you, and from where you are, gaze to the north and south, east and west; ¹⁵ all the land that you see I will give to you and your descendants forever. ¹⁶ I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth; if anyone could count the dust of the earth, your descendants too might be counted. ¹⁷ Set forth and walk about in the land, through its length and breadth, for to you I will give it.” ¹⁸ Abram moved his tents and went on to settle near the terebinth of Mamre, which is at Hebron. There he built an altar to the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 5

R: He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

² He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart ³ and slanders not with his tongue. (R) Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; ⁴ by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord. (R) ⁵ Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be disturbed. (R)

Gospel | Matthew 7:6, 12-14

The road to perdition is wide, and the one to righteousness is narrow and difficult. God is generous, but sin at work in the world puts great temptations before us. We need to be realistic, protect ourselves from temptations, and live in an environment that will foster faith and trust in God.

Gospel Acclamation

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

⁶ Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. ¹² “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. ¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. ¹⁴ How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

Read the Bible in one year! Read 2 KINGS 19 - 22 today.

Every day, God gives each of us the wonderful gift of making choices, of choosing what is best for us. Unfortunately, some of us forget the essence of making a choice—to choose what is good, what is right, and what is best. That is the true meaning of freedom—choosing what is good, not doing whatever one wants. Often, we make wrong choices in life because we fail to consider God in our choices, in choosing the highest good (summum bonum).

Like Lot in the First Reading, we are easily misled by beautiful sights, by abundance, by having everything as basis in choosing what is best for us. We are easily misled by things we call as “apparently good,” something that looks good outside but is bad or worse inside. We forget that not all that glitters is gold, as Lot would find out later how sinful were the people living in the areas he had chosen.

Choosing God above all means being like Abraham who trusted in His plans and providence. Most of all, choosing God is taking the path of self-sacrifice and self-giving.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Our two great saints today did exactly what Jesus told His disciples—imitated Abraham by choosing God above all. St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More chose death rather than a life of prestige and honor, and rather than going against God by allowing King Henry VIII to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon. St. Thomas More’s words before his execution were immortalized in the play and movie, Saint for All Seasons: “I am the king’s servant but God’s first.” Fr. Nick Lalog

reflection questions

What are your primary conditions in making major decisions and choices in life? Is God always considered in your decisions and choices? Why and in what ways?

Bless, O Lord, those who have to make important decisions today, those discerning Your will. Enlighten their minds and hearts to choose only You and to stand firm on that choice. Amen.

Today, I pray for: __________________________________