I don't like mainstream anime.
Naruto, One Piece, Bleach... no. Just no.
Like any other anime fans since childhood, yes, I've started out liking the popular ones first (Voltes V right?). But as I continue to search for new series to watch, I've learned that there are those with good storylines that do not get the limelight. Funny that most of the people focus their energy on what is known by everyone and join the bandwagon without knowing this reality. That is why I grew up to be the type of anime fan who's not updated with these famous titles. I believed that there is beauty in the non-mainstream.
Our Gospel today talks of the same thing, not anime, but a similar situation. It is that of two gates - a broad one and a narrow one. The broad gate looks so stylishly pretty and everyone loves to enter it. Its road is so wide and has all those flashy lights that lures you to its beauty. However, if you travel the road from it, you're bound to an unsure destination. On the other hand, there is another gate. It can only fit one to two people at a time and the road is so narrow. There are streetlights just enough to see the road ahead. It's not that extravagant. What's unique about it is a big sign at the entrance saying, "Life awaits". Which one will you enter?
Oftentimes, we'll say "Hey, I want to enter the gate that gives life" but believe me, we only have that hype during the first few days. When we feel like it's difficult and you can't take it anymore, we would want to go back and head back to where the wider gate is at; a place more familiar, somewhere convenient and comfortable.
But here's my message for you: the narrow gate is not narrow just because it wants to be. It is narrow because it is preparing us. We suffer inconveniences so we'll grow and become mature in our faith and outlook in life. Let us not settle for the momentary pleasures of the world if in the long run it will destroy us. What are little sacrifices if we are to discover and experience great things?
In my example as a hipster anime fan, it was hard to like what others don't. But the reward of the stories nobody else knows yet excites me. What's more fun is that when I get to experience it, I can always share it to others. Who knows if through me, they'll gain interest right?
Same with the narrow gate and God's promise of eternal life for us. We may experience hardships in following Him especially if we are asked to let go of what we're used to doing. In the beginning, it was hard for me to establish prayer time. A voice at the back of my head keeps nudging me to just do something else. But as I fail everyday, I also try my best to stand up every day - to enter that narrow gate every day and feel the inconveniences. With those sacrifices, now I can say that I've discovered the greatest stories ever written, blessings I never imagined I'd receive in my life and the greatest Love of all which is from God.
Don't be afraid to enter the narrow gate. God is with you.