Wednesday 26 February 2025
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (vs 13-14)
Background
Chichester Cathedral is not far from where I live and it houses the shrine of St Richard of Chichester (1197-1253). He is best remembered for a prayer that includes the words "May I know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow thee more nearly, day by day." It inspired the song 'Day by Day' in the 1970s musical 'Godspell', which will be familiar to some readers. (Pause for singing!)
If you reflect on the days of the past week, month or year what are the ups and downs of your faith journey in that period?
In today’s verses Jesus speaks of being able to choose the road we take into the future. The world at large, he suggests, follows an easy road. Jesus does not go into detail here but his language suggests the wide road is perilous. As you reflect on the world around us, what would you say is perilous?
Jesus suggests there is an alternative road, still in the world but where loyalty to him grants perspective and a life-support system. He speaks of a narrow gate and a hard road. Commentators have seen the narrow gate as the decision to follow Christ. For some this decision is in a moment and life-changing – however long it took to reach. For others it is more gradual and less clear cut, not known in a moment but nevertheless certain in retrospect.
However we started on our Christian journey, it is only the beginning. There is a challenging road to walk as part of Jesus’ flock. Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount with immense and universal tenderness in a series of blessings called the beatitudes (see Matthew 5:1-12). However, as his sermon moves to a conclusion he seeks a growing toughness from his disciples. Richard of Chichester saw that we are called to be 'day by day' disciples.
To Ponder:
- How is your discipleship journey at the moment?
- What challenges do you face 'day by day'?
- Are there recollections from your journey so far that encourage you, remind you or prompt you to pray?
Prayer
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits thou hast given me, for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day. Amen. (St Richard of Chichester)
Bible notes author: The Revd Bob Sneddon
Bob Sneddon is a retired presbyter who lives on the south coast of England. He has had five varied circuit appointments over some 40 years and before that worked in India for a year. In retirement he is enjoying making a garden and walking.