Podcasts about narrow gate

Fr. Mike confronts the hard truth Jesus preaches in today's readings: Many people will ultimately choose hell over heaven. While this can be deeply distressing, Fr. Mike reminds us to focus on Jesus's directive to each one of us: "[You] Strive to enter through the narrow gate." In the second part of today's commentary, Fr. Mike reflects on two of Jesus' most well-known parables: the parable of the Lost Sheep and the parable of the Prodigal Son. Today's readings are Luke 13-16 and Proverbs 26:10-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Jesus tells us the gate to his wonderful A+ Life to the Full is narrow. And he warns us that the road that leads to a sorrow life is wide and broad. What is on the broad road that makes it so appealing, and why is the gate to  “The Life that is truly life” so narrow?

The Lord challenges us to strive to enter through the narrow gate. (Lectionary #481) October 29, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

A Regnum Christi Daily Meditation. Sign up to receive the text in your email daily at RegnumChristi.com

Unmarked graves, what happened to Lazarus and his sisters and much more in today's episode of Open Line Wednesday with Fr. Mitch Pacwa.

Msgr. Roger J. Landry Chapel of The Pontifical Mission Societies, St. Petersburg, Florida Wednesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I October 29, 2025 Rom 8:26-30, Ps 13, Lk 13:22-30   To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/10.29.25_Homily_1.mp3   The following points were attempted in the homily: […] The post The Holy Spirit’s Help In Striving To Enter the Narrow Gate, 30th Wednesday (I), October 29, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

In this sermon we look at the purposeful choice that each follower of Jesus must make - a choice to live a life of sacrifice and suffering that's worth it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pdchurch.substack.com

https://lectiodiv.wordpress.com

Read OnlineSomeone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” Luke 13:27We should definitely take our Lord's words spoken above to heart. It's easy to presume we will be saved. It's easy to simply presume that God is kind and that we are good people at heart and, therefore, salvation is assured. But that's not what Jesus says.So who will be saved? When we get to Heaven, God willing, we may be surprised at who is saved and who is not. This is clearly one of the messages of today's Gospel. Jesus even goes so far to say that some, when they die, will assume they are going to enter into Heaven but will hear our Lord say to them, “I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!” Again, we should take these words to heart.One of the most dangerous sins we can fall into is presumption. Presumption is deadly because it has a double effect upon us. First, the person caught in presumption is one who has committed mortal sin but has not repented of it. But the presumptuous person also remains incapable of repentance because they refuse to acknowledge their sin. Their conscience is not working. They have blinders on and expect God to wear those same blinders. But God sees all things and judges accordingly.The “narrow gate” of which Jesus speaks is a simile used by Jesus to tell us that it is not easy to obtain Heaven. It requires a concerted effort on our part as well as the infinite mercy of God. But regarding our part, the attainment of Heaven is only possible if we intentionally seek out the will of God and respond generously to Him. First, that means we confess and turn away from our sins. But from there, it means that we make every effort to fulfill God's will in our lives.If this is hard to accept, simply remind yourself that this teaching came directly from Jesus Himself. He is absolutely clear and means what He says. If that fills you with a sort of holy fear, then that is a good thing. “Holy fear” is a gift by which we have a well-ordered conscience that is able to identify those things in our lives that have become immovable obstacles to eternal salvation. The same well-ordered conscience will lead us to that narrow gate which is the only path to eternal life.Reflect, today, upon the fact that we must all take eternal salvation seriously. If you find that you have become lax in your spiritual life, then use this Gospel as a motivation to change. Do not allow yourself to be one of those knocking at the gates of Heaven, only to realize that our Lord does not know you. Do all you can to eradicate the sin of presumption from your life, and your reward will be truly great in Heaven.My most merciful Lord, You and You alone can open the gates of Heaven to us, and You and You alone will do so only to those who have responded to Your holy will. Please open my eyes to any ways that I turn from You and remain lax in my spiritual journey. Give me the grace I need to see clearly and to respond to You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

The Elites stay in power because they convince us that division, hatred and cultural identities are who we are. They push the narrative of people being broken and that salvation only comes from the rules and authorities the Elites offer. The reward for being obedient to the going narrative is a promise of a better world... always a lie. Time to step back and take a breath. The hard path is the path of reclaiming a moral society. That path is a path centered on Jesus, focussed on love and compassion but corrupted with temptations and false beliefs. Seek discernment and follow the way of Christ.  #BardsFM_Morning #EngineeredDivision #Discernment Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com BardsFM CAP, Celebrating 50 Million Downloads: https://ambitiousfaith.net Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com MYPillow promo code: BARDS Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939.  White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here EMF Solutions to keep your home safe: https://www.emfsol.com/?aff=bards Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS: TreadliteBroadforks.com No Knot Today Natural Skin Products: NoKnotToday.com Health, Nutrition and Detox Consulting: HealthIsLocal.com Destination Real Food Book on Amazon: click here Images In Bloom Soaps and Things: ImagesInBloom.com Angeline Design: AngelineDesign.com DONATE: Click here Mailing Address: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR  97479

Cullan, Shawn, Justin and "Other" Justin dive verse by verse into Matthew chapter 7:13-14

Dennis & Benedicta discuss the sad fact that few people will actually receive the gift of salvation and enter heaven (Matthew 7).Send us a textTo find out more about Dennis & Benedicta Pollock please visit the Spirit of Grace website, where you can find other wonderful resources such as videos and articles. You will also find out how you can support the work of Spirit of Grace by becoming a Friend of Grace .Please send questions, comments, and feedback with us at grace@spiritofgrace.org.

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Matthew 13:1-9 Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 7 Theme: Without true faith, the narrow way is locked.

► Gather with us live online and in person every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:00a: https://live.fbcw.org/► Watch/listen to our services: https://fbcw.org/worship-with-us/► Give to help our mission: https://fbcw.org/give/

During the Bright Parade, a conversation with non-Catholic preachers led to an important question: Does Jesus really say we don't need to do anything because He's already done it all?   In this homily, we explore what Scripture actually teaches about salvation, free will, and striving to enter through the narrow gate. St. Paul reminds us that following Christ is like running a race—something that requires effort, perseverance, and cooperation with God's grace.   The Catholic Church, universal and welcoming from east to west and north to south, invites everyone to this great adventure: responding daily to God's grace and proclaiming the Good News to the whole world.  

Dive deep into Matthew 7:13-14 with Jon Rhoades on Biblically Literate Episode 4! Discover what Jesus really meant by "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." As the Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, Jon unpacks the Sermon on the Mount in its original context, connecting it to the broader story of Scripture like Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalms 1, Proverbs' Lady Wisdom vs Lady Folly, Isaiah 59:7-8, and Zephaniah 3:3.Explore key biblical concepts: the Golden Rule, Law and Prophets, fulfilling the Law, remazim (intentional nods to Old Testament passages), chiastic structure, heart transformation over outward obedience, the way of peace (shalom), false prophets as ravenous wolves, and the paradox of Jesus' easy yoke amid hardship (thlibo meaning affliction). Learn how Jesus critiques Pharisees' superficial righteousness and calls for genuine fruit-bearing faith, echoing James 2:14-17 and Matthew 5:20.Jon draws parallels to stories like the 12 spies in the Promised Land (Joshua and Caleb's faith), Moses' commands, and God's inclusive invitation yet exclusive truth in John 14:6 and Ezekiel 18:32. This isn't just Bible study—it's an invitation to examine your path: Are you on the narrow way of denying self, relying on God, and experiencing eternal rest, or the wide gate of cultural acceptance and destruction?Perfect for anyone seeking to become more Biblically Literate! Whether you're studying God's word, exploring Tanakh connections (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim), or wrestling with spiritual principles like blessing vs curse, life vs death, this episode reveals God's nature as a holy, merciful Father desiring transformed hearts.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & KidZone Story (Israelites, 12 Spies, Joshua, Caleb)2:45 - Sermon on the Mount Context (Matthew 5-7, Luke's Sermon on the Plain)5:30 - Golden Rule & Law and Prophets (Matthew 7:12, 5:17)8:15 - Fulfilling the Law: Heart vs Checklist (No Murder/Adultery Expanded)12:00 - Two Paths Tradition (Deuteronomy, Psalms, Proverbs, Remazim)16:20 - Isaiah, Shalom, Jesus' Yoke (Matthew 11:28-30)20:10 - Beatitudes & Persecution (Matthew 5:3-12)23:45 - False Prophets & Fruits (Matthew 7:15-20, Jeremiah 23, Zephaniah)27:30 - Narrow Gate as Jesus Himself (John 14:6, Ezekiel 18:32)30:00 - Application & Closing InvitationSubscribe for more episodes unpacking Scripture in context! Have questions or verse requests? Email jrhoades@fccbrazil.org or comment below. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube. #NarrowGate #Matthew71314 #SermonOnTheMount #BibleStudy #BiblicallyLiterate #JesusTeaching #OldTestamentConnections #HeartTransformation #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney

“The Two Paths” - a lesson on living a life that leads to life and salvation, and a warning against the things that would lure a person to the broad road. Music: “O Christ the Narrow Gate.” Lyrics by Toby Logsdon. Performed by Crimson Covenant. Copyright ©Toby Logsdon, 2025.

Through the Narrow Gate: Salvation as a Lifelong Journey Today's homily emphasizes that the Christian journey is not just about following Christ, . . . . . . but about becoming like Him. Salvation, according to Catholic teaching, is not a one-time event but an ongoing process requiring cooperation with God's grace. Jesus' call from today's Gospel to “strive to enter through the narrow gate” reminds us that salvation demands effort, conversion, and perseverance. Merely hearing His words or receiving the sacraments without allowing them to transform our lives is insufficient . . . Christ must shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. The Sacrament of Confession, trust in God amid trials, and living a life of continual conversion are presented as concrete ways of walking the narrow path. Ultimately, we are invited to give Christ our sins and let His grace transform us, so that our relationship with Him is real and life changing. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Through the Narrow Gate: Salvation as a Lifelong Journey ------------------------------------------------------------------ Gospel Reading: Luke 13: 22-30 First Reading: Isaiah 66: 18-21 Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13 ------------------------------------------------------------------ The Wide Road and the Narrow Road: Dutch Artist: Jan Luyken: 1712 Today's engraving by Dutch artist Jan Luyken, printed in 1712, serves as an excellent visual companion to our Gospel reading. On the left side of the engraving, we see the wide gate, where people are joyfully dancing and celebrating as they pass through the broad arch. Atop this gate, a carved relief of the earthly globe is displayed, symbolizing the world's temptations. This path represents the road the world urges us to follow. On the right side of the engraving lies the narrow path mentioned by Jesus in our reading. A man, having taken up his cross, is depicted walking through the narrow gate, joined by others who are also carrying their crosses further along the path. They journey toward a radiant light atop the hill, symbolizing Heaven. In contrast, those on the left are headed toward a storm.

August 24, 2025

21st Sunday 

The exercise of free will comes with consequences. In other words, when we choose to do bad things and we harm ourselves, these are the consequences of free will. We do silly things, silly things happen, and we pay the price for it. But also on the other hand, when we choose to do good things, and not only good for ourselves, but good for everyone else, there also are good consequences. Positive consequences versus negative consequences.  (Read more…)Here is my homily email from the Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time. Please feel free to share this email with others.

Fr. Ivan Pertine speaks about the disposition necessary for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Narrow Gate

Fr. John Ehrich, STL www.stmglendale.org Fr. John's Music

When Jesus was asked, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He responded, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate." This homily looks at the heart-to-heart communion Jesus invites us into...

August 24, 2025. 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time homily by Fr. Matt Lowry about how Jesus invites us to strive for the narrow gate. We will encounter difficulties, which will make us stronger, and Christ will be with us, leading us to what is worth it, life with Him eternally.

Don't presume God's mercy. You may find yourself outside.

Homily - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Narrow Gate

Matthew 7:13–20 (NLT) 13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. 15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

When Jesus spoke about the narrow gate and the broad road, He wasn't giving us a nice metaphor—He was issuing a warning of eternal significance. In Matthew 7:13–23, He makes it clear: not everyone who looks spiritual, sounds religious, or even does ministry will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

For 24 August 2025, Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time , based on Luke 13:22-30

Homily for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, based upon Hebrews 12:1,6-13 and Luke 13:22-30.

For the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on striving for Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on striving for Christ. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

It's the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about the cyclical nature of the Old Testament, and parenting imagery in this week's readings from Isaiah and Hebrews.Then, Jesus responds to the question “Who will be saved?” in the Gospel of Luke.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by FOCUS Retreats, empowering parishes and leaders to offer deeply Catholic, low-lift retreats that ignite discipleship, transform lives, and multiply the mission of Jesus Christ in the modern world.To learn more, visit focus.org/retreats/ to schedule a 30-minute call with the retreats team at FOCUS.-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:50Reading 1 - Isaiah 66: 18-21Psalm 117: 1, 2 & Mk 16:15Reading 2 - Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13Gospel - Luke 13:22-30 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

To view the video of this message please click here. To view the Pastor's notes please click here.

Robert Frost ended his famous poem “The Road Not Taken” with the words:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.It just reminds me of the “two paths” motif we find in the biblical narrative, and the “Narrow Gate and difficult road” Jesus contrasted with the Broad and easy road most travel by. This Sunday, in our study of the Gospel of Matthew, we'll be reading chapter 8:18-22, where the story will give us examples of why the road of following Jesus is considered “narrow”.Jesus sure has an odd sense for how to achieve church-growth, doesn't he? I love how v18 reads in the Message: “When Jesus saw that a curious crowd was growing by the minute, he told his disciples to get him out of there to the other side of the lake.” Suddenly his ministry is becoming popular and attracting attention, and his response is to bail out immediately. Why do you think he did that?When faced with sudden popularity, Jesus doesn't begin the process of working the crowd and taking polls to see what will generate a greater favorability. He doesn't try to drum up as many supporters as he can by offering give-aways or doing his best to present himself as culturally hip. Nope. He does his best to evade the masses who have only a surfaced curiosity, and when some do seek to commit themselves to him, he does his best to dissuade them!Jesus was clearly not reading all the email articles that get sent to me. He's doing it all wrong, at least according to the experts. And they are experts – they seem to represent gigantic, massive and wealthy churches.v19-20 – Why do you think Jesus responds the way he does to the teacher of religious law who offers to join the cause? Jesus had places to sleep – he stayed with Lazarus in Bethany, he stayed at Peter's house in Capernaum…and Peter had a house to stay at. There is some hyperbole in this, but there is a sharp, deeply cutting message in it, especially to 21st Century American Christians. What message does this speak to you?V21-22 – On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “not at all” and 11 being “this goes to 11”, how harsh does Jesus' response to the man who wants to bury his father seem to you? Why do you think Jesus would say that? What do you think the phrase “let the dead bury their dead” means? We'll take some time to gain a better understanding of his response by getting a clearer picture of the culture of that place and time, as well as some potential idioms that were in use.While this section of Scripture is challenging, my hope is that it will encourage us as well – persuading us to commit our all to the Savior of our lives.Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.

We are travelers on road to the promised kingdom for God. There is a problem however, there is another road and we can see many others who are perfectly happy to travel it. Let's learn how our Savior carries us on the road to life and how to know if we have strayed from it. Readings from this service:Acts 4: 1-12Psalm 46: 1-3, 10-11Matthew 7: 13-14Thanks for listening! CONNECT with CCFC:Visit us on FacebookVisit our websiteDownload our app!

CHR. Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the City of Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I would therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in? GOOD-WILL. I am willing with all my heart, said he; and with that he opened the gate.

Join Better Dad bulletin: https://better-dad-bulletin.beehiiv.com/subscribeSubscribe to the Dynamic Daddy YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DynamicDaddyIn this episode of The Dynamic Daddy Podcast, I sit down with special guest Sage Howell for a powerful, down-to-earth conversation on fatherhood, faith, and building something that lasts.

Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Culture Narrow Gate, Hard Road Matthew 7:13-14 Christ Church Kingwood July 27, 2025 Preacher: Patrick Wimberly

The post Enter the Narrow Gate of Obedience appeared first on The Vineyard Church.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/HbrjMZUcny8 What's keeping you from the narrow path? In Episode 312, Mark and Amber reflect on Matthew 7:13-14, drawing connections between spiritual truth, personal transformation, and their ongoing work in Christian filmmaking. They share updates from their latest screening, discuss upcoming plans in Colorado Springs, and explore how believers can shed spiritual baggage and boldly follow Christ. This episode will encourage and equip you to live fearlessly for truth in a culture that often chooses the wide road.