The way I follow should be my own

I have all too often heard that following Jesus is hard. We read in scripture that the way is narrow, few are those who find it (Mt 7:14).  Many are called, few are chosen (Mt 24:14). Such lines make it seem that living for God has to be difficult, next to impossible, and lonely. And yet, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Catherine of Siena once wrote that “the way to heaven is broad,” and that “all the way to heaven is heaven.” I’ve always been impressed with the contradiction of St. Catherine’s statement and St Matthew’s gospel passages.

So how do we interpret this narrow way promoted by Matthew? I’ve come to believe that the narrow way spoken of in the gospel points to the way destined for each individual. I see it saying that the path destined for me is not one traveled by anyone else, and I am meant to blaze it myself. Following that way is difficult, because it requires learning discernment and overcoming my fear of making a mistake. It means taking chances, having courage to be responsible for my choices, having the ability to say I’m wrong, turn around, and try again.

To follow the “narrow way” is to follow that path set out for me alone, the one God intended that my feet, and only my feet trod, the one that leads to my destiny. It requires blazing my way through areas no one else has gone before. It requires letting God be my beacon, over everyone else.

That doesn’t mean I should discount another’s inspiration and admirable conduct. Nor does it mean I must make a religion that suits my own fancies and discount all others. It simply means that however much I’m influenced by someone else and their journey, my journey requires a particular faithfulness to God’s plan for me. And few there are those who have the courage to believe and follow such an individualized path.

The way is narrow and few are those who follow it. Because we have a herd instinct, and would rather find a way well trodden and wide. But if we believe in destiny, than we must also believe that no two individuals have the same exact call. As it says in Isaiah 43:1: For I have called you by name, you are mine. In God's eyes, each on of us has a name, and each one has her own path to follow.

The direction of my Way

Artwork by Mary Grace Thul, OP

The Feast was Holy Trinity, and the sermon focused on how Trinity is relationship, and speaks to our relationship with God. And our relationship with God affects how we think of ourselves, and how we treat others.

If I say I believe in God, and yet I am judging others continuously, then you can be sure my God is a judgmental God who keeps tabs and is going to make me pay every last penny. That is sad.

If I say I believe in God, but am timid and fearful, unable to take chances or risks, then my God is weak and unable to be there for me. And that is pitiful.

If I say I believe in God, but am selfish, narcissistic, and vain, then my God doesn't care or ever think about  me. And that isn't true.

My relationship with God is so important. For how I see God is how I view myself and my fellow travelers.

For faith is not just about believing. Jesus said, I am the Way. And that Way includes me. I am also the Way, whether I know it or not. I am The Way by how I live, and what I believe affects that, directly.

It is good to check in and see just what I  believe. All I need do is look at how I am acting.

Are you following the right Way?

Different spiritual writers offer differing views about what it means to be a spiritual person and what to expect when on The Way. Take for example the writings of Madeleine L'Engle who says:  There's not much rest. We walk as strangers in this foreign land with no rest and yet this  uphill road leads to the light of home. The night is far spent. The day is at hand. Her words can be summarized as... life here on earth has to be hard, following the spirit means suffering, that pain must become a constant companion.

Reading this, it is no wonder that many are turned from Christianity. Who wants to follow a Way if it means increasing pain and suffering? Who wants to be isolated from the rest of humanity?

Take, on the other hand, the writings of Catherine of Siena, a Christian mystic and spiritual writer. She says that all the way to heaven is heaven. Catherine believed that as we come to know God, we will become enlightened. What does that mean except that life will become full of more joy, not less. For when we see God, we find joy. I am reminded of Jesus words, I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly. The journey should open up our world, not close it down; should help us perceive more blessings, not less.

So if your Way is draining you of life; if it is suppressing your joy and darkening your vision, I suggest you have not found the right Way. I suggest you read authors like Catherine, who help us realize, all the way to heaven should be heaven!