The Seasons: A Poem

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Sunrise over Amazing Grasses Family Farm The mad Artist wields His brush, Painted colors rush, To life and give flush, Before the quiet autumn hush. The life seems to pour, As colors fall to the floor, To be seen no more, Outside the dark, grey door. Brightness from below, Sun upon the snow, High, cold clouds blow, Flakes and ice appear to grow. The man melts with little seen, Underneath, pale, grey green, Hides life in dark unseen, Waits for warmth and to careen. Buds on branches show, Patience starts to grow, Trickles, streams and veins flow, Bringing fruits of melted snow. Sprung to life it springs, Bees, birds, sound rings, Lush green flings, Its gift bounty brings. Green growth gives one last rush, Underneath the Painter's brush. The mad Artist wields His brush, before the quiet autumn hush. More poetry is available from James M. Hahn in  The Last Dragon and Other Poems  available now. My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is avai
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The Key to the Narrow Gate

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In today's Gospel passage, Jesus tells us to, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the
road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many." (Matthew 7:13)

Again, it is good for us to keep in mind that this instruction is within the chapters of the Sermon on the Mount. It is a further drilling down into how to live the commandments and not simply observe them.

We can think of the "narrow gate" as a type of funnel. If we could see into this funnel, we would see the 10 Commandments at the top. Below those we would find Jesus' more detailed teachings from the Sermon on the Mount that help us to fully understand what God is asking of us within each commandment. Beneath those we would find Jesus teaching that there are ultimately two commandments: Love God and Love Neighbor and Self. If we are so bold, we could finally add in St. Augustine's distillation of everything in the funnel: Love God and do what you please.

The Narrow Gate is a gate that will only allow those who live a life of selfless love through it. No other baggage is permissible. No other gods, no hate of neighbor or self, no lust, no thievery, no murder, no desire for worldly things, no other baggage; only selfless love may pass through.

If you are like me, you may be tempted to cry out, "can anyone even enter and is it worth the struggle and sacrifice!?" Scripture answers our cries of despair and fear often and soundly:

(Like us)...When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. (Matthew 19:25-29)

But as it is written: “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him,” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. (John 14:1-3)

I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.c He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

It is possible to enter the narrow gate but not easy. Our fallen nature most overcome itself an cooperate with grace. It is worth the struggle and sacrifice but it demands that we trust with childlike faith in the Father. 

Yet the beautiful thing about the narrow gate is that there isn't one specific key other than love. What should fill us with hope and joy is the example of the saints. Throughout time the saints have given witness that it is possible to enter the narrow gate and that each one of us is a uniquely fashioned key, fashioned in the forge of God's love. No matter where we were are in life, what we do for a living, we can enter the a narrow gate. We can be a married couple like Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, a former slave like St. Josephine Bakhita, a computer wiz like Blessed Carlos Acutis, or a poor, uneducated girl like St. Bernadette. 

Regardless of your past or present life, starting this moment to live a life of selfless love will allow you to unlock and enter through the narrow gate!


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God bless you - Jim Hahn
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