Throughout scripture and tradition, the concept of the “narrow gate” challenges us to examine what prevents us from entering a life of spiritual fulfillment and connection with God.
Consider these two passages from scripture, both of which discuss finding a rewarding life by passing through a narrow entrance:
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God”- Mark 10:25, Luke 18:25
“Enter the narrow gate, for the gate that is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” -Mathew 7:13-14
The Narrow Gate Interpretation:
A traditional explanation claims that in Jerusalem there was a small gate nicknamed the ‘eye of the needle’, through which a camel could not pass through while carrying its burden- side bags, but could pass on its knees when the load was removed.
On this basis, it references that a rich person cannot enter God’s Kingdom unless he is unburdened, freed from attachment to worldly wealth, or the love of money. Jesus warns it is extremely difficult to enter the Kingdom of God who are enslaved by wealth. If we are enslaved by wealth, then maybe we should take a deeper inventory of all the baggage we might carry:
The Baggage:
- Money, which leads to envy, then greed, insecurity, and idolatry- replacing God. Jesus teaches that we cannot serve two masters. (Mathew 6).
- Envy, which leads to anger, then hate, and possibly even violence. Jesus teaches that envy ‘resents’ God’s generosity. (Mathew 20).
- Resentment, which leads to judgment, then anger- destroying relationships. Jesus teaches that refusing forgiveness blocks God’s forgiveness. (Mathew 5).
These scripture passages all speak to the difficulty of entering God’s kingdom, which requires letting go of whatever holds the heart captive. Matthew uses the image of a narrow gate and a hard road, suggesting the need to set aside envy and resentment. Mark and Luke emphasize wealth as a major barrier to entering God’s kingdom.
A Closer Look Inside the Side Bag:
Those struggling with alcoholism need a clear understanding of their spiritual maladies. AA emphasizes that, “Resentment is the “the number one offender.” It destroys more alcoholics than anything else. From it stem all form of spiritual disease, for we have been not only mentally and physically ill, we have been spiritually sick. When spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically- Alcoholics Anonymous, (pg. 64). This passage suggests to unload your resentments first!
The Road of Happy Destiny:
We can experience “heaven on earth.” Rather than being just a place in the sky after death, heaven can be found right now by connecting with God. Many people in Alcoholics Anonymous go through an initial awakening when they follow the twelve steps. For some, their first experience of “heaven on earth” comes when the obsession to drink is removed. This may be the first pass through the eye of the needle. The twelve steps may serve as a challenging path—as the scripture of Mathew reveal, “the way is hard that leads to life, and those that find it are few.” Yet, those who undertake this way for their journey connect with one another as they “trudge the Road of Happy Destiny” -Alcoholics Anonymous, (pg. 164).