Our Savior, in the Gospel of Matthew, presents us with a profound choice: "Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad the road leading to destruction, and many there are who go that route. But how narrow the gate and hemmed in is the road leading to life, and few there are who find it!" Saint Augustine wisely unpacks this teaching, revealing two distinct paths before us: one wide and leading to death, the other narrow and leading to eternal life. It is a stark warning and a loving invitation. To choose the path of life means to actively turn away from the allure of the broad road, which, as Augustine explains, is "constantly traveled by swarms of people" indulging in vices and evil passions. This broad way, though seemingly offering many attractions and populated by the majority, ultimately leads to damnation.
What then, defines
this "roomy thoroughfare" of vice? It is the highway of shame and
excess, frequented by multitudes who embrace intemperance, impurity, and greed.
Consider the path of drunkenness, wide enough to accommodate all who lack
self-control. Or the road of impurity, servicing all the unchaste. And then
there is the road of avarice, teeming with those who unjustly seize their
neighbor's goods. These are the broad roads, ardently desired and sought out by
vast throngs, but as our Lord reminds us, "many are called, but few are
chosen." We must resist the temptation to follow the crowd, for society
often champions sin over righteousness. Is it not infinitely preferable to possess
the heavenly and eternal kingdom with the few, rather than to plunge into
eternal punishment with the multitude?
The narrow way, in
contrast, is described by the Lord as "difficult not only to negotiate but
even to find." This difficulty is not due to a lack of seekers, but a lack
of diligence in seeking. Many claim to be searching for salvation, simply by
virtue of being members of the Church, but are they truly assiduous and
persevering? Can one genuinely seek the road to salvation while simultaneously
yielding to intemperance, avarice, or impurity? These vices lead directly to
death, rendering a true search for life impossible. Thus, the Savior laments,
"How few there are who find it!" This narrow way often appears
hidden, not in one specific area, but in a multitude of virtues. It is
concealed in faithful belief, for "unless you believe, you will not
understand," and in chastity, for "the impure will not possess the
kingdom of God." It is also hidden in acts of charity, as "almsgiving
saves one from death and expiates every sin."
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, if we truly desire to find and walk this one right path, we must embrace and diligently safeguard the virtues that constitute the road to life. This journey requires unwavering faith, unblemished chastity, and boundless charity. By following this route, we will enter into eternal light and possess the life that never ends. Let us choose wisely, for our eternal destiny hangs in the balance.
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