easy by whose standards?
“You have been going up to Jerusalem long enough.”—1 Kings 12:28
Jeroboam “sold” the people on a cheap religion which didn’t expect much of people or clergy. He made it “easy” and appealed to convenience. Jeroboam was interested only in exploiting and manipulating the people, thus preserving his own power (1 Kgs 12:26-28ff). Jeroboam’s way satisfied only the leader’s desires.
Jesus is the opposite. He takes care of all the needs of those who follow the narrow way to God. He even fills them with meals that leave all “satisfied” (Mk 8:8, RSV-CE). “The hand of the Lord feeds them; He answers all their needs,” as the psalmist says (see Ps 145:16, 19).
Jesus makes some things easy, and even says that His yoke is “easy” (Mt 11:28-30). Yet the narrow way He offers is “rough” (Mt 7:14; Lk 13:24). Jesus said, “When much has been given a man, much will be required of him” (Lk 12:48). He also said that His followers may not even have a roof over their heads or a place to sleep (Lk 9:57-62).
Jesus calls us to the narrow road. The narrow way is where you’ll find the Lord. It is a purposeful and inconvenient way to follow, and many choose not to take it (Mt 7:13-14). He said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich person to enter the kingdom of God (Mt 19:24).
Will you follow the easy way or the narrow way?
Prayer: Father, detach me from anything which prevents me from following the narrow way to Your kingdom.
Promise: “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd.” —Mk 8:2
Praise: St. Methodius translated the entire Bible into the Slavonic language.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 2025"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.