Try Your Best

Someone said to Jesus, ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ He said to them, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.

Lk.13:24

Jesus is being questioned on what number will enter heaven. He doesn't give a figure but answers with an entreaty to work on entering heaven as it will be difficult and many will not succeed. 

There's a pervading sense in the Church that the door into heaven is open wide and everybody will get there. Not according to Jesus. Time and again he says there will be sheep and goats, cries of joy and grinding of teeth, a difficult path and a narrow door. 

Following Jesus must be intentional, not a matter of drifting along. Yes salvation is easy to understand, a child can grasp it, but obtaining it takes discipline, trying my best according to Jesus. The good news is that the work is a joy. The Catholic life is life giving, a discipline yes, but a joyful discipline. This  morning prayer is an important part of that lifestyle. 

Lord Jesus, this is my best at the moment. Help me fill the rest of today with my best of efforts to gain the narrow door.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.