The last shall be first and the first last
Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ He said to them, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.
‘Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, “Lord, open to us” but he will answer, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will find yourself saying, “We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets” but he will reply, “I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!”
‘Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And men from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
‘Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.’
How easy it is to be kind and friendly with friends, and yet how difficult it can be at home. How easy it is to contemplate and admire the Lord, yet how challenging it is to feel that same admiration when looking at my spouse. But it is there, at the narrow gate of my home, where everything is at stake. Let us strive to enter with hearts aflame through the narrow gate of our home, for that is where our true character is revealed. If I am one way with the Lord and another way with my spouse, in whom He also resides, the Lord will say, confused, “But who are you really? I do not know you.”
Applied to Married Life:
John: Darling, you’re always so gentle and kind with me. Don’t you ever get tired of it?
Ava: Not really, to be honest. At first, when I came home, I’d slip into “Finally home!” mode and let go of my manners, my kindness, and my attentiveness. But I knew that couldn’t be right because home is where I need to try hardest, with you, my top priority. It was hard initially, but now, the more I look after you, the more I care for you and make an effort, the more I love you, and the easier it becomes.
John: You’re wonderful. Your attitude really helps me, and it inspires me to do the same. Thank you.
Ava: No, thank God. I only put in my good intentions and effort; He does the rest. I promise you.
John: Then blessed be the Lord. And thank you so much for being my wife.
Mother,
You who see my deeds at home, grant me the grace to keep striving to love more here than anywhere else. Praise be to the Lord.