From time to time we may have all entertained a certain question in our lives that someone places before Jesus while he is teaching and making his way to Jerusalem:  “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” (Lk 13,23)  At the heart of the matter is really our wanting to know if our names are on that list.  We would like to get a quick look into the Book of Life and see if our names have really been written there.  As is so often the case, Jesus does not answer the question directly, but rather, he takes this opportunity to teach and to admonish his disciples:  “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” (Lk 13,24)  As much as we would like to believe otherwise, there is no simple answer, short-cut or guarantee to our entrance into heaven.  Jesus intimates that one must have a strong relationship with him if one hopes to enter into heaven.  One has to “strive” to enter through “a narrow gate”.  Being “saved” takes some intentionality, effort and perseverance.  What Jesus does indicate is a Way that leads us into heaven and he himself is that Way and he himself is the narrow gate through which only those who he knows by name may enter.  Jesus admonishes his disciples that the way into the kingdom of heaven is not an “any-old-which-way” but is something that must be chosen, learned and faithfully followed.  I would like to propose seven “D’s” that are characteristics of our spiritual journey.

     Desire.  Paul tells us in Colossians, “Set your heart on the things above and not on the things of the earth.” (Col 3,2) and Jesus tells his disciples that “where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” (Lk 12, 34).  We have to have a desire for the good, the holy, the beautiful and the truthful.  We must truly be people “of good will”.  “We may have desires, longings, purposes, wishes; but that is not having a strong and determined will.  We wish to be devout, but in our own way up to a certain point, and provided it does not cost us too much.  We wish, and we are contented with wishing.” (Fr. Grou, s.j.)  As the old axiom says, “wishing does not make it so.”  We must allow our desires to become a purposed will that is aligned with the will of God.

     Discernment.  With the help of the Holy Spirit of Truth we must know the difference between what is good and bad, what is according to God’s will and what is the deception of the devil.  “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (Jn 16,13)  We need a listening heart to be able to hear the voice of the Spirit speaking to our hearts.

     Destination.  We cannot wander aimlessly in this life and hope to reach the kingdom of heaven.  We must have a clear destination in mind.   “You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Col 3,3-4)  Our destination is a new life in Christ and a final share in his glory.

     Decision.  We must make a clear and definitive decision to follow Christ and to seek his kingdom.  Jesus always appeals to our freedom and never compels us to do something to which we have not assented.  Jesus is always inviting us and awaiting our “yes” to his plan for our lives.  Just hanging around and keeping our options open is not enough as Jesus warns his disciples that he may finally say to those who have not sought to know him, “I do not know where you are from.” (Lk 13,27)

     Determination.  We must be determined to persevere to the end of our spiritual journey.  St. Teresa of Avila was known as someone with “a very determined determination.”  There will be obstacles and set-backs in our lives.  We must be determined to overcome them.

     Discipline.  This is a difficult teaching for many.  “For whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;”  (Heb 12,6)  We have a difficult time accepting discipline and learning from our trials and mistakes.  “Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons.  For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Heb 12,7)  We need to learn discipline in our lives if we are going to walk the straight path of the Lord.

     Disposition.  We must “put on Christ”.  “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Rom 13,14)  “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Col 3,12)  Our lives must bear witness to our relationship with Christ and our hope for glory.

     The spiritual journey takes effort and intentional direction as we follow the Way of Jesus.  He is our teacher and our guide on the narrow way, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” (Heb 12,2)  Keep your eyes fixed on that narrow gate.