Fr. Bob’s Homily – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

A young man named Chris once wrote a letter to a priest. He told the priest he could use the letter any way he wished. In the letter, he described how he was one of the top swimmers in Canada. Life was good. But one day, his friends talked him into experimenting with drugs.

Sadly, Chris got hooked. Soon, his mental, physical and spiritual health declined. To make matters worse, he was in debt to drug dealers. He became frightened and lonely, until one day he went home and wrote a note to his parents. He explained that he was planning to take his own life – and he apologized for it.

“I am sorry to cause you this much pain,” the note read. “But if I had stayed alive, I would have caused you even more grief.” As he prepared to take his own life, something happened. He stopped and picked up the phone, calling a crisis center. He hadn’t known it then, but his mother had been praying for him.

A few days later, he entered a rehabilitation program. He regained his physical and mental health. He picked up the Bible, reading it each day. More and more, he began to find peace and joy. He placed all his trust in God. Chris ended the letter explaining how his life has changed, and how he now teaches in a Catholic school.

“God has blessed me greatly. I am still trying to learn how to open myself up, more and more, to the love and mercy of God.”

Chris’ story proves Jesus’ point in today’s Gospel. The door to the Kingdom is ever so narrow. In his case, it was extremely narrow. But that did not stop Chris from trying to enter. He struggled and struggled until he fit through the gates. If only we all had the courage to battle and overcome the way Chris did.

I once heard it said that there are three types of Christians:

First, there are tugboat Christians. The ones who follow Jesus not only in sunny weather, but also stormy weather; when the tides serve them and when the tides oppose them. They are the ones who today’s reading encourages us to be.

Then there are sailboat Christians. They follow Christ when the tide serves them. But when the winds rage, they are blown off course. They tend to go in the direction they are blown. They go to Mass with friends and family, but left on their own, they do not go. They are the ones who follow through the wide door.

Finally, there are raft Christians. In short, they are Christians in name, but not in deed. They do not follow Jesus, even when the wind and tides serve them. If they do happen to drift in Christ’s direction, it is only because they are pushed or pulled by someone else.

So, my friends, we must reflect: Are we tugboat Christians, sailboat Christians, or raft Christians? Do we follow Jesus in good times and bad? Do we walk with Him through not only the wide door, but the narrow door? Only you can answer these questions.

And yet, these questions call us to see our lives as part of something greater. As we celebrate the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” we’re reminded that, like Chris, we are all on a journey. Though the path may be steep or narrow, we walk with purpose and hope, trusting that Christ walks with us. And through Him, the narrow door is never truly closed.

Jesus invites us to face these questions with the same courage Chris had when he faced his problems. If we do face them as he did, rest assured, we will always receive the help God offers.