The Narrow Gate

This second week of pilgrim preparation we were given a unit called "The Narrow Gate". It focuses on John 14:6 in which Jesus says, "No one comes to the Father, but by me." The unit discusses our belief as Christian people that Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation.

One section I found particularly thought provoking was called "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth", which discussed the Catholic Church containing the fullness of truth. I remember when I first moved to San Francisco 3 years ago, I went to daily mass at a parish near my school and met the pastoral associate. We discussed our backgrounds a bit, and I told her I LOVED the Franciscans. She told me she had a lot of friends at the Franciscan school at the GTU and that we should go visit there sometime. When I told her most of my Franciscan friends were CFRs, she said, "Oh, those conservatives!" She went on to criticize a bunch of other Church teachings.

I tell you that was really a shocking moment for me. Previous to my moving to the city, I had always been surrounded by people on fire for Jesus, His Church, and the Church's teachings. It was also the first time I was exposed to politicization within the church, as I met a man who called himself a "progressive" and labeled me "orthodox".

This has definitely been a challenge for me to face while living here in SF. When I meet people who water down the faith, particularly catechists and teachers, it really offends me because they're short changing people's knowledge of Jesus. One of the common problems I have seen is that people mix their personal beliefs with Church teaching. A popular case of this in San Francisco is regarding gay marriage. I can't count how many times I have heard someone say, "I don't believe in gay marriage, but if they love each other and they're happy, they who are they hurting?" When we speak out about our opinions that are not in line with Church teaching, it really confuses those around us who know that we are Catholic Christians.

During this time of preparation, please pray that I will be good representative of Jesus, and the Church and her teachings in all that I say, and more importantly, all that I do.