Through the Narrow Gate: Catching the Fire of God’s Love

08-24-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

In the Gospel of Luke this week, someone asks Jesus, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” Jesus does not give the inquisitive mind who asks the question a number, but rather the image of a narrow gate, not impossible, but narrow. It means that we must stay close to the Lord, come to know Him so that we recognize Him and pray that He recognizes us. It is more than just showing up, reciting prayers, and saying I am Catholic. It means connecting to the Lord and being on a continual journey of spiritual growth and conversion, allowing Him to work in our lives.

Last week, I preached about fire and how to ignite it, in other words, how the fire of God’s love can burn in our hearts. Someone once said, if you want to get struck by lightning, you have to dance in the storm. While it may be an unusual image, it reveals the reality that to know the Lord, we must dance in the Christian life.

In the homily, I listed several ways that help us catch the fire. I thought you might find them helpful.

1. Spend quiet time with the Blessed Sacrament. Sitting in silence with the real presence of Jesus, even for a short time, allows Him to touch your heart.
2. Read Scripture – the five books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Acts of the Apostles – can enliven the love of Jesus through regular reading and mediation.
3. Be part of the Sacraments of the Church. Attending Mass provides a real encounter with Christ in both Word and Sacrament, while Confession offers an encounter with His saving mercy.
4. Spend time with others in the community – Being around others who share the fire of faith can help spread that fire within you.
5. Take quiet time in nature. The mountains, lakes, canyons, and streams can help us better know the amazing God who creates all things. Beauty touches the heart.
6. Serve the poor. Be aware of the distressing disguise of Christ in the poor. Opening your heart in charity and service can ignite a deep passion for Jesus, who provides strength.

To know Jesus is more than a knowledge of Him in facts and stories, but rather to know His loving heart – His mercy and kindness in a mystical relationship. We are transformed in the fire of His love.

I would like to recognize and extend a deep prayer of gratitude to Shirley Towers, who has been a driving force in the parish, bolstering the Sanctity of Life ministry. Her leadership over the years has engaged numerous parishioners and helped our community become one of the great supporters of life, from conception to the end of life. She has stepped down from leadership, and we welcome Jill McCabe, who is a familiar face in the ministry. Shirley’s commitment to the Sanctity of Life is unwavering – we give thanks to God for her witness and dedication to all life issues.

May we keep our hearts open to the fire of God’s love so that our hearts will be ablaze in the world we live.

Peace and Hope in Him,

Fr. Fred