Divine Appeal Reflection - 230
Today, consider in Divine Appeal 230: "The world cries when suffering, but I tell you, oh souls that follow Me by narrow path, one day the world will see them walking in spacious and flourishing meadows."
The narrow path is the way of souls who choose to follow our Adorable Jesus with unwavering love and fidelity, even when it leads through suffering, rejection, and trials. It is the road less traveled, a path of interior purification, self-denial, and complete abandonment to God's will. The world looks upon those who walk this way and sees hardship, failure, and restriction. Yet, Jesus assures us that this road does not end in sorrow but in an unimaginable, flourishing reward. One day, those who now bear the weight of the cross in silence will walk in the vast meadows of God’s eternal joy, where the struggles of this life will fade in the light of divine glory (cf. Mt 7:14). The world may not understand this mystery, but all of heaven rejoices over souls who embrace the way of holiness, trusting in the promise that God will lift up the lowly (cf. Lk 1:52).
For laypeople, the narrow path unfolds in the hidden struggles of daily life. A father who works tirelessly to provide for his family, resisting the temptations of dishonesty for the sake of integrity, is walking this road. A mother who never gets weary in raising her children in the way of the faith, conquers the way of holiness, amidst all worldly distractions. A young person following Christ's example is one who prioritizes prayer, humility, and purity before material gain. God sees these unseen wins, although the world does not. (cf. Jn 12:24.) These sacrifices bear fruit in eternity, just as a seed must be buried in darkness before it blossoms. Transforming the world, one wise decision at a time-it isn't about escaping the world; rather, it is about holiness. All that is ordinary and mundane can become something extraordinary through deliberate choices: choosing God over temporary pleasures, faithfulness over comfort, and love over self-interest. Saints like St. Gianna Molla and St. Louis Martin, the father of St. Thérèse , could rarely be found within a monastery, yet they are living sanctuaries of grace. They embraced the joys and struggles of family life, turning daily moments into acts of love, quiet sacrifices into prayers, and their entire existence into a testimony that true holiness is lived, not just sought.
This road is considerably more profound for priests and consecrated souls. The narrow path is being followed by the priest who stays faithful in the face of temptation, loneliness, and the demands of his holy ministry. The religious sister is reaching new heights of holiness as she gives her life in secret prayer, hidden from the world but maintained by her sacrifices. Many of these souls are unknown, their labors unrecognized, but they are the ones holding the Church together. Our Adorable Jesus has called them to be His closest companions, to carry His wounds in their hearts, and to be reflections of His sacrificial love. St. John Vianney was mocked in his early priesthood, yet his perseverance transformed an entire village. St. Faustina suffered in silence, yet her revelations of divine mercy have saved countless souls. These souls, once misunderstood, are now shining in eternal light, proving that those who follow Jesus on the narrow path will one day walk in the spacious meadows of His eternal kingdom (cf. CCC 915).
The road to freedom, love, and eternal happiness is the narrow path; it is not a burden. Though it demands much, it gives infinitely more. Those who suffer now for Christ will reign with Him forever. The world may see only sacrifice, but in the eyes of heaven, these are the footprints of saints. One day, all will see the hidden beauty of this path, and those who walked it faithfully will enter into a joy beyond all understanding. Let us, then, walk forward with courage, knowing that every hardship endured for our Adorable Jesus is a step toward the eternal embrace of His love (cf. 2 Tim 2:12).
Prayer
O our Adorable Jesus, strengthen us to walk the narrow path with unwavering faith. Help laypeople embrace holiness in their daily lives, priests to remain faithful to their sacred calling, and consecrated souls to persevere in hidden sacrifice. May we live only for You, longing for the joy of Your eternal kingdom.
Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.