How many of us had our parents separate us from our siblings so we would not get into trouble with each other? “You take your toys and play in the basement while your sister plays in the living room!” Abram saw a better way of getting along with Lot and thus created new land opportunities with all the blessings that they had. Abram saw it better to separate and share the abundance of God’s gifts, taking them to new heights and lands – doing justice with God’s treasures.

Jesus alludes to the narrowness of folks like Lot or a sibling who won’t share when Christ proclaims that certain directions and passageways, the ones least sometimes least desirable, lead to life and renewal for one’s self.

How often have we found when we shared or took a least favored path that we entered a new paradise for ourselves? God always uses the least to make the greatest. We are called to appreciate what we have, and if you do not see the gift yet, wait until you are ready to enter “the narrow gate” and see God’s bounty.

We need broader minds for ourselves and our world these days. We constrict the possibilities because we hoard “our toys” and don’t play well with others in the sandbox. Perhaps we need to kick the sand off our shoes and be more creative in another sandbox west of the Jordan, like Abram. This might be the gate we need to walk through today, leading to a deeper life!

Prayer:

Help me on my path to justice and goodness, O God! May I be blameless and without reproach as I collaborate with those who find hope and comfort. Lead me in your ways of righteousness and care to be in your presence always and witness you to others through Christ our Lord.