Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. 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. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:6, 12-14)

As most Catholics will testify, following Jesus was not initially a conscious choice, but a calling from God. We were chosen as adopted sons and daughters, called by God, and given the grace to understand that Jesus is Lord. The free-will choice to follow this calling came after the initial grace. This pearl is not given to everyone, and some who receive this grace make the choice not to accept it. The realization of your adoption as a child of God should be a humbling thought. The grace was unwarranted and undeserved. Your free-will choice to follow God, once given this grace, should not be undervalued, either. This choice put you on the narrow road leading toward the narrow gate to life. You recognized the value of the pearl and committed yourself to walk a difficult path. There are many forks in this road, diversions, and snares. Sometimes the road is no wider than a hair’s breadth. You stumble often. Yet the difficulty of this road has a purpose. Attempting to remain in the narrow confines of holiness has, as its reward, eternal life in the presence of God. Traveling the narrow path opens up a wider future. It is humbling to think that you found this road when few others do the same, you were adopted and taken into God’s family despite being undeserving, and you chose to follow the path despite its difficulty. This pearl is priceless. Protect and honor it.

Copyright 2022 Jessica Tucker