The narrow gate

In today's readings there are a number of references to city structures.

In the first reading, the city of Jerusalem is surrounded by the Assyrians, who send a message to discourage the Jews and force them to surrender.

To which, the Lord replies through Isaiah:

He will not enter this city, he will let fly no arrow against it, confront it with no shield, throw up no earthwork against it. By the road that he came on he will return; he shall not enter this city.

 In the Psalm, it's written that:

God, in the midst of its citadels, has shown himself its stronghold.

And the gospel encourages people to:

Enter by the narrow gate, since the road that leads to perdition is wide and spacious, and many take it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

In the first reading, the Assyrians try to force-entry the city of Jerusalem, which in a way could be considered as the opposite of entering by the narrow gate.

The narrow gate is "a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

How many times have I tried to force things, instead of going through the narrow gate, instead of having faith that what is for me it won't pass me?

Trying hard to get a job, trying hard to conceive a child with my wife, trying hard to bend things my way.

Obsession is the opposite of the narrow gate.

Obsessing over something is the narrowing down of people and creation to false gods, "the work of men's hands, wood and stone."

It's trying to bend the world to our will, rather than learning to appreciate our blessings.

In today's perspective, the one who bends the world to his will is considered a successful person.

I won't lie: I am trying to bend the world to my needs and wants.

I know I won't be happy if I don't manage to accomplish some of what I intend to do.

But I am trying to gradually let go and enjoy the process too.

I know my parents don't have many years left.

I know what today looks like can change quite quickly due to unforeseen circumstances, like accidents, illnesses, or things that are really not in my control.

I will try to enjoy life more, while keeping in mind the narrow gate.