Jesus says in today’s Gospel:
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” (Luke 13:24)

The narrow gate is not about numbers — it is about discipleship. Not shortcuts, not appearances, but discipline, sacrifice, and love.

In the Philippines today, two “wide roads” make the gate narrow: corruption and gossip.

Corruption is a cancer, weakening our society (think of the 2024–2025 Flood Control Projects controversy).

Gossip, however, is closer to home. It spreads in families, workplaces, parishes. It looks harmless, but it destroys trust, wounds reputations, and divides communities.

Pope Francis calls gossip “a form of terrorism” — throwing words like hidden bombs.

The narrow road is not gossip, but respect and love.

To bite our tongue when tempted to chismis.
To protect someone’s dignity.
To choose silence, truth, and kindness.

St. James reminds us: “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man” (James 3:2).

Friends, the narrow gate is love. Love that is demanding, disciplined, and real.

Will our words today bring life or destruction? Will they open hearts, or close them?

Yes, the gate is narrow. But Christ Himself is the Gate — always open to those who walk in truth and love.

Amen.