Written by Amy Reinhardt
“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
Luke 13:24
In the concluding homily of our four-part Advent series, we heard about responding to our rescue. I remember being especially struck by the fact that we don’t deserve salvation.
We are sinners who time and again turn against Jesus in favor of our vices. To earn an eternal place with God, we must live a life that strives toward heaven. We have to want our salvation. We can’t opt for mere complacency.
While we may fall into temptation, we always have the opportunity to restore our hearts through Reconciliation. God knows we will never be perfect – at least in our earthly life. That is why He provides everything we need to reach for sainthood.
Kidney failure is a part of my journey. While God didn’t purposely cause my kidneys to fail, He is transforming me through this illness. Giving me countless opportunities to surrender my human weakness to His divine will.
My faith has grow exponentially since July 2021. God supplies every ounce of strength I need to press on. I feel a peace-filled joy only when I have my eyes fixed on the ultimate goal: eternal bliss with God.
But it’s still easy to become complacent. Instead of yearning for salvation, I begin to identify with the limitations of my illness. The overall fatigue can bring about a helpless, even hopeless, attitude.
Though life is harder with kidney failure, I never want anyone to think I’ve given up. I want to live in a way that pleases God. I desire to enter through His narrow door.
I may not be able to evangelize in the workplace but that doesn’t mean I’m out of options. Whatever place we’re at, we can always strive. Strive to be a better version of the person we were yesterday.
To be more humble, generous, kind, honest, courageous, and patient. To choose prayer time over social media. To forgive instead of hold a grudge.
Letting God prune the branches holding our vices is painful, but it is what gets us closer to the coveted place beyond the narrow door.
A place where we will finally understand. We will see how striving through suffering earned us salvation.
At 28 years old, Amy Reinhardt has been an Ascension parishioner for over half her life. She led Disciples Dwelling and was heavily involved in the young adult ministry up until getting diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. She strives to radiate Christ’s light and love to all who are blessed to know her. If you’d like to read Amy’s health updates: www.caringbridge.org/visit/amyreinhardt.