Homilies from the Menaion for Every Day of the Year: September 18

The Month of September

Day 18

19. Why the Lord Teaches Us to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven by the Narrow Way

(From the Life of Saint Eumenios, Bishop of Gortyna. Menaion, September 18)

The Lord teaches us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven by the narrow way. “Strive,” He says, “to enter through the narrow gate” (Luke 13:24). Why, then, does He teach us this? Because only the narrow way can lead us to Paradise, whereas the broad way, that is, attachment to the world, leads to forgetfulness of God and to perdition. From what is this evident? From what is said in the Life of Saint Eumenios, Bishop of Gortyna. And what does it say there? This:

“It is necessary to go to Heaven by the narrow way that leads to Heaven, listening to the Lord who says: ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate.’ This means that, in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, it is necessary to lay aside two heavy burdens—possessions and the flesh. And to lay aside possessions means to distribute them to the poor, knowing that ‘it is difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God’ (Luke 18:24). And indeed, can anyone burdened by attachment to wealth pass through the narrow gate indicated by the Lord? Certainly no one. What did the Lord counsel the young man who asked Him about eternal life? ‘If you wish,’ He said, ‘to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven’ (Matthew 19:21). And indeed, can one who serves Mammon also serve the Lord? And how can one burdened by the weight of riches pass through the narrow doors of heaven? Obviously, under such conditions he cannot pass through them, any more than a camel can pass through the eye of a needle. Just as one who wishes to pass through a narrow space ordinarily removes from himself not only his load but even his clothing, so one who desires to be in heaven gives to the poor not only his surplus of temporal possessions, as a heavy burden, but even what he himself needs, striving to imitate the Lord.”

Thus, what is said in the Life of Saint Eumenios also confirms the Lord’s teaching that we must enter the Kingdom of Heaven through the narrow gate by the narrow way. “It is necessary to lay aside,” we heard in the Life, “two heavy burdens—possessions and the flesh. And whoever wishes to be in Heaven not only casts off from himself his surplus of possessions, as a heavy burden, but also gives to the poor what he himself needs.” Is this really so in practice? It is entirely so, brethren! At every step we see that the person attached to the world is wholly immersed in worldly calculations, cares, and pleasures. He has no concern for God, no concern for the salvation of his soul, no concern for Paradise. He thinks of making a paradise for himself here on earth and, as a result, almost always perishes before the eyes of all. But the one who seeks the Kingdom of Heaven considers all worldly things as refuse; he often endures undeserved injuries, bears nakedness, burning heat, and scorching sun, and in the end dies the death of the righteous and goes to the dwelling places of the Heavenly Father. From this it becomes clear that the Lord’s teaching concerning the attainment of Paradise by the narrow way is confirmed by actual experience. In view of this, as we reflect upon this way and in order that we may continually follow it, let us more often call to mind both the words of the Lord, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate,” and these other words of His: “No one can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or he will be devoted to the one and disregard the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Amen.

Questions for Discussion 19

1. What two heavy burdens, according to the words of Saint Eumenios, should be laid aside in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

2. What, according to Eumenios, does a person who wishes to pass through a narrow space do?

3. What does the person who desires to be in Heaven distribute to the poor, according to Eumenios, striving to imitate the Lord?

4. What does the one who seeks the Kingdom of Heaven often endure?

5. Why, according to the word of the Lord, is it impossible to serve two masters?

 

Source: The Cheti-Minei: Homilies for Every Day of the Year (Book 1: September, October, November) by Archpriest Viktor Guryev. Publication of the Russian Panteleimon Monastery on Mount Athos, 1896. Translated by John Sanidopoulos.