Does Heaven have a security checkpoints, and if so who would let you through?

I discovered an interesting thing this summer.  One of my classmates is on an FBI terrorist suspect persons list.  I found that out when I traveled to Ireland with him this summer for a golf vacation.  It was a wonderful time.  But when Bob got pulled aside AGAIN to be screened in a private room prior to leaving and coming back, we began to wonder.  The last 6 trips we’ve taken with Bob all had the same thing happen.  It was too much a coincidence.  At least this time, one of the ‘screeners’ had the courtesy to tell him that he was on the list.  He doesn’t know why he’s on the list, but it guarantees him that every time he travels, he will be pulled aside, and grilled and checked out and inspected before they let him through. 

It led to a few amusing conversations about ‘Bob the terrorist’ – and “Bob the FBI suspect” and the like.  But it also got me to thinking – “Just what are they looking for when they screen people for airport security?’  And then my twisted mind began to ask: “What kind of security checks people will have to go through to get into heaven.  Do you have to go through a ‘goodness detector’ akin to our metal detector?  Do they allow carry-on’s into heaven?  How intensely do you have to screen for eternity?” 

It is not a new question.  In today’s gospel a man shouts out to Jesus the equivalent question to my own musings: “What’s security like at the pearly gates?”  Are they few in number who are to be saved?”  And Jesus, in his usual way, never really answers the question, does he.  His reply ducks the question.  “You’re looking for the end result – wanting to who is on the list of suspect people and who is not.  God is much more interested in the process.”  So instead of letting them know what we long suspected about Bob, that there is a list and his name was on it, Jesus tells them “STRIVE to enter the narrow gate.”  That’s what you need to be worried about.  Not whether you look like a terrorist or look like a Christian for that matter – but whether or not you are making the attempt to be a disciple, making the daily effort to be a follower of Jesus.   

Contrary to a popular belief that it takes NOTHING MORE THAN LETTING JESUS LOVE YOU to get to heaven, Jesus invites any of us who would be his disciples to a deeper call.  Many will strive to enter but will not be strong enough.  I don’t know about you, but that is one scary line coming from the lips of my savior.  Many will strive but not be strong enough.  Your baptismal certificate will not get you in.  Nor will your confirmation card or your Sunday collection envelope.  Only by striving and yearning and longing for the kingdom in very concrete and practical ways – will you enter the narrow gate.

So, what are the narrow gates YOU face.  My friend Bob has one waiting for him at every airport.  He gets through but it is tough.  Maybe it is the diligence you have to use for your studies – taking 3 hours when others are done in one.  Maybe the narrow gate is the relationship that is exciting and new, but tempts you to say more with your body then your heart really wants to say.  Perhaps the narrow gate is the opportunity you have tomorrow to help a student who is lost on campus, or being picked on by one of their peers for being a bit ‘different’ and who has no one to stand up for them.  Maybe the narrow gate is the temptation to go online and surf places that make men and women into objects for your own satisfaction and pleasure.  Perhaps the narrow gate is the choice you must make to set the alarm 15 minutes early because that’s the only time you’ll be alone enough to spend time in prayer… 
The good news of today’s gospel – all of us are on the watch list for heaven.  We are all on the preferred screening list.  The door is open. It is possible.  It can be walked.  BUT, it is narrow.  And we have to STRIVE for it.  Live this week, caring only for that which will allow you to pass through…