Illumine the narrow path leading to God

Once while commenting on Jesus’ teaching that “the truth will set you free,” Venerable Fulton Sheen said, “It is easy to find truth.” He quickly added, however, that “it is hard to face it, and harder still to follow it.”

Christians “are the light of the world” (Matt 5:14) and are to illuminate the environment in which they live. The light of the disciple is a reflection of the light of the Master, and this light is not meant to be hidden “under a basket” but manifested so that “it gives light to all.” Those who follow Christ, moreover, are to be concerned not only about their own salvation, but also about that of others. The lamp, in other words, gives light to all in the house. “For we are the aroma of Christ for God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing… to the former an odor of life that leads to life” (2 Cor 2:15-16).

Do others see this light in us, which illumines the narrow path leading to God?

“Man was created for greatness — for God himself — and he was created to be filled by God,” said Pope Benedict XVI. “But his heart is too small for the greatness to which it is destined. It must be stretched” (Spe Salvi, 33). By greatness, Benedict is not speaking of the idolization of earthly success, fortune, or power. These are mere illusions that blind us from the true good for which we are created; after all, our hearts are made to be filled to the brim, overflowing with all that God offers. But they must be stretched, freed from the self-imposed limitations we have contrived by our self-absorption.

To be stretched by God’s love is not for the trepid; it doesn’t just happen, especially if we don’t value it. It demands courage, persistence, and a childlike trust. The apostle Paul compares this noble quest to running a race and explains that if we want to run this race well and win the “crown of righteousness,” we need to train daily to grow and reach the goal, which is heaven. We must seek always to “abide in Christ.” That means to have a living relationship with Him; be willing to “pick up the cross”; be resolved to desire truth; be detached from all things, and patiently accept our daily trials, bearing them for God’s sake. Otherwise, we are unable to enter through the narrow gate.

To this end, we can learn much from King Solomon, who prayed for wisdom: “I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me” (Wis 7:7). He did not ask for what was merely human, but for a gift of wisdom from God, who was infinitely wise. He shows us how the wisdom from God surpasses all worldly pursuits: “beyond health and beauty I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because her radiance never ceases” (Wis 7:10).

Our spiritual growth demands constant training and is about acquiring friendship with Christ, wanting nothing more than being near Him now and in heaven. For the disciple, God’s wisdom “is better than corals, and no treasures can compare with her” (Prov 8:11). Consumed by Light, we become His reflection in the world, a lamp to all. And stretched by Love, we run the race, accepting life’s tribulations as something permitted by God while striving to conform our will to His will: “knowing that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

FATHER SHENAN J. BOQUET is the president of Human Life International (www.hli.org), and a priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, LA. Please keep Human Life International in your continued prayers and support.