“The Narrow Gate and a Quiet Walk Home”

 
Dear Diary,

This morning at Holy Mass, I sat with Sister Mary Claire in our usual spot near the front, and Mini curled up under the pew between us. She didn’t stir once—except for when the kneeler dropped with a thud behind us. She’s used to everything now, like she belongs.

Father LeRoy read the Gospel where Jesus says it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Everyone seemed to sit up when they heard that. Father explained that being rich isn’t a sin, but it can make it harder to let go of things and follow Jesus. He said some believe the “eye of the needle” was a tiny city gate where a camel had to unload everything and kneel to pass through. Just like us—we have to set aside anything that gets between us and God.

When Peter asked what the apostles would get for giving everything up, Jesus promised them thrones, and that anyone who gave up family or land for His sake would receive a hundredfold and eternal life. Father said we might not have to give up everything, but we must be willing to let go of anything that keeps us from loving Jesus first.

On the way home, I told Sister I wasn’t sure what I was still holding onto. She said even small things—like a sharp word or wanting to be first—can weigh us down. I looked at Mini, trotting ahead with her little ears out like wings. She never fusses about being first—she just stays close.



Daily Prayer,

Jesus, I begin and end this day with You in my heart.
Let me feel Your gentle and loving spirit around me.
Help me follow You and stay close.

Mary, kind and motherly, guide my thoughts back to Jesus.
Teach me to keep prayer and devotion always in my life.
May my heart grow to be like Yours and His—

full of love and peace.

The Source