The Narrow Gate
The image of the narrow gate appears in today’s gospel, where someone asks Jesus: "Lord, will only a few be saved?"
He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:24).
I believe this image of the narrow gate is offered to us as positive encouragement rather than a frightening warning. There were many negative images of God as angry and condemning in the past. The Old Testament used these kinds of negative methods and images of God to encourage people to choose good instead of evil. God was shown as a strict judge who can see everything. According to them, God watches every deed and step of a human being. Then God repays to everyone with grace or punishment according to the human deeds.
The New Testament method, contrary to the Old Testament, is very positive. It shows God as a good parent who loves people like his children. God is also shown as a good shepherd who searches for a lost sheep until it is found and brought back to the flock to be save. God loves his people unconditionally to the point of giving his only Son for the salvation of all.
We are all invited to take part in salvation given to us by God. It is our invitation and destiny, but we must respond to God’s call. Luke in today’s gospel uses the word "strive" (Greek: agonizomai, from which we get agonize) which suggests a strong, ongoing effort like that of an athlete or warrior. Salvation is not shown here as something casual or automatic. The narrow gate symbolizes a path that requires intentionality, discipline, and commitment. It’s not about working for salvation, which is by grace, but about responding seriously to God’s call.
There is a time sensitivity – later verses describe people knocking on the door after it is shut. The chance to respond is not indefinite. There is another helpful element in the image the narrow gate, which is exclusivity versus inclusivity. The narrow gate contrasts with a wide gate – something easier to enter, more comfortable, and more crowded. While many may expect to be included Jesus warns that not all who assume they are in will be admitted. This challenges our presumption that being religious, church goer, or Catholic is not a guarantee of salvation.
Instead, it highlights the importance of a real relationship with Christ. The Lord answered to those who were knocking on the locked door, “I do not know where you are from” (Luke 13:27). A personal relationship with God is an essential condition of entering the narrow gate.
The image of the narrow gate is echoed in many places and images in the New Testament but especially in Matthew 7:13-14. Matthew contrasts the narrow gate that leads to life and the wide gate that leads to destruction. This places the image within a consistent New Testament theme: the true path is costly, counter-cultural, and chosen by relatively few. The image of the narrow gate is not a warning but rather an invitation. The door is narrow indeed, but it is open to us.
Fr. Andrzej
