Today's gospel reading might well serve those who are unhappy more often then not. Likewise it may serve as a reminder to those who are happy of the marvels of their lives.
To contemporary souls the words of Jesus, "How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few" may be a downer or even a reason to protest that organized religion is not worth it. These words of Jesus are not what many of our contemporaries wish to hear much less wish to live out in their lives.
Among the happiest people I have met are men and women in consecrated life, especially those in monastic communities. During a conversation with a religious sister, I asked her if she knew true happiness in her monastic life. Her response was a confirmation of the gospel message of Jesus. "For me," she said, "I know there is is no other vocation where I could be happier. When I surrendered my professional life to enter the monastery, it was not east. However, as I became aware of the life that all of us are called to follow and that I was living that life in a monastic setting, I moved into a life of peace and happiness that made each moment worth live."
A monastery maybe a venue for only a few among us. However, we, all of us, can come to the same happiness if we are not afraid to take the road to salvation as the route we follow. Some fear the road is too narrow or will become too constricted. St. Benedict, speaking about the road to salvation said that on the journey there may indeed be times when the road narrows. However, what does grow wider for those who set out on the roadway is the traveler's heart. The heart experiences a growth in the delight of love.
The temptations and allurements in our American society are real and numerous. The challenges of a narrow road are scary. Modernistic views see only pain and deprivation. Our prayer and spiritual conversations with a trusted companion on the journey are the guideposts along the way.
