October 22, 2010

My Journey to God

The Narrow Door to Heaven

It is difficult to pass through the narrow door,
The one that opens to eternal life.
Pride and self-centeredness add girth.
It is the fat that adds to the challenge.

Pomposity and egotism increase the width.
The load of self-importance impedes progress.
Ambition and intolerance add to the size.
Only humility will assist in size reduction.

Many rely on the shoehorn of false piety.
The panacea of insincere charity prevails.
Love of neighbor extended for prestige,
All are obstacles for entrance through the door.

God wants us to be with Him in heaven.
He wants us to experience the great joy.
He wants us to shed the cloak of materialism,
And reduce with a diet of love and good works.

Only then will the narrow door be accessible
To those who prioritize their spiritual goals.
To come closer to God, we shed all that impedes,
As we change, the door changes and we can enter.

By Thomas J. Rillo

(Thomas J. Rillo is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bloomington, and is a Benedictine oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Inspiration for the poem came from a homily delivered during daily Mass.) †

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