When we act entitled, when we make presumptions on the mercy of God, it is because we have not fulling recognized what it means to be a Christian. We have not embraced the cost of discipleship. To be a Christian means that we are willing to take up our crosses, deny ourselves, and follow the Lord. To be a Christian means that we are willing to endure whatever the pagan world throws at us rather than walk away from the Lord. “You’re the only one at work, in the neighborhood, at school, who isn’t doing this,” they claim, they are lying. “Perhaps, it would be better if you didn’t go to our party. We really don’t want someone who isn’t going to be part of the fun,” they claim, deciding that sin is fun. Standing for the truth, standing for the Lord’s way, is difficult. It is the narrow gate. This is the way to the Lord. We are Catholics. We are Christians in Christianity’s purest form. We have purpose and meaning and beauty in our lives. We have Jesus Christ. And He has us. Our arms cannot be drooping. They need to be raised high in praising the One who calls us. Our knees should not be knocking. They
need to be high stepping, marching through that narrow gate to our God. Then, when it comes time for the final Banquet of the Lord, when our lives come to an end, we will find ourselves inside, united to Jesus at the feast of Love that is Eternal Union with God.
