The Narrow Door

The Narrow Door… 

Enter by the narrow door…  [i]
I have left it open for you  
that small door at the side,  
little seen and little used  
off the byway,  
the Servant’s door
 
Enter there  
because I have opened it for you, 
for you have I kept it open.  
Any time, day or night,  
you can come quietly  
no need to knock or call  
 
At the Great door you will be shoved  
by the courtyard crowd  
who strike and shout  
to say they know and want me.  
And then that door will shut,
not everyone will enter.  

 This small door will not be closed,
my door – for you…  
I am waiting for you.   
I have left it open, waiting  
and I shall know you –   
for you, this is the Way  
 
                                                                                         (2010s) 

[i]   Luke 13: 23-27  --
23  Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them,
24  “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.
25  After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’
26  And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
27  Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’