8.19.25 - The Narrow Gate and Near Death Experiences

Opening Prayer

Dear God 

We thank you for giving us our existence and spiritual being so that we could enter into a relationship with You. 

Thank you coming here to show us how to live, to love, and to forgive 

And then paying for our transgressions against others and against You. 

And as Jesus taught us to pray… together

Our Father Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily Bread;

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

 Upcoming major holy days:   November 1: All Saints Day 

TODAY:  

• Reading for 21st Sun in Ordinary Time, 8/24:  The Narrow Door – Luke 13:22-30.

• After six months of reviewing the Fathers, Councils, and Heresies of the Early Church (first 500 years), we are moving onto our next topic voted on by this group: Near Death Experiences. 

Apologetic Quote of the Week – What if there is no God, no meaning to life?

“If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be a word without meaning.” – CS Lewis, Mere Christianity 

The Narrow Door (also Gate or Way) – Luke 13:22-30

Context:  

In our reading today, Jesus tells us that there is a definitive, inescapable choice each of us must make – the narrow door or the wide door. The wide door (and apparently most-oft used) is the door of this world and self that leads to Hell. The narrow door is Christ and leads to Heaven. 

This choice has always been before us. From the beginning of God's relationship with humans, through the gift of free will, we have always had the choice of two paths: to travel the way towards God or away from Him. 1,400 years before Christ, Moses spoke of these two ways in his last speech to the children of Israel before he died: 

See, I have today set before you life and good, or death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God, loving the LORD  and walking in his ways, you will live and grow numerous, and the LORD your God will bless you. If, however, your heart turns away and are led astray, I tell you today that you will certainly perish. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live. – Taken from Deuteronomy 30:15-20

The Psalmist also wrote: 

The LORD watches over the Way of the Just, but the Way of the wicked leads to ruin – Psalm 1:6. 

Interestingly, in the first decade after Christ, before the name "Christian" was applied to believers, the disciples of Jesus were referred to as followers of "The Way" (Acts 9:2). It comes from: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” – John 14:6.    

There is a second context. There was a debate over the centuries among the Jewish scholars about who would be saved. Some thought only Judeans would be saved, and some thought the lost 10 Tribes of Israel (who fell to the Assyrians in the 8th century BC) would be excluded. Some thought those in Sodom and Gomorrah would definitely fail the grade; and others thought all Jews would make it. 

So you can see the question seeks to pull Jesus into this dispute. However, Jesus gives them a different criteria for salvation. It isn’t where they came from or what their history was, it is the choices we make in this life. 

Some may think Jesus’ language is strong, but what else can he do to get people’s attention? Our eternity is at stake. And though he is speaking to the Jewish leaders at the time who not only rejected him but wanted to kill him, Jesus’ story is also meant for us. 

Luke 13:22-30 

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.

Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?"

He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.

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.

And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'

Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!'

And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out.

And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Exegesis = Interpretation/Explanation

Who or what is the narrow gate/door/way?

Jesus.  "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." – Jn 14:6 

How "narrow" is the narrow door? 

The doorway is narrow to the extent we prioritize our worldly affairs and possessions over God. These cannot fit through the door, so to speak, and they block the entrance when we put them first. 

"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough." What does Jesus mean about not being strong enough?

He is not referring to physical strength – no one can force their way into heaven. He is talking about spiritual commitment and perseverance.   

To cross the threshold of the narrow door, it is necessary to first divest oneself of all negative spiritual baggage such as pride, self-centeredness, hypocrisy, and materialism. 

Why does Jesus treat those outside the gate as strangers when they claim to have known him? 

  They may very well have known him. They may have eaten with him. Some may even have believed in him. But words are not enough. We must be doers. Love is a verb, it is doing. We must love, serve, and forgive.

“Only those who do the will of my Father will enter the Kingdom.” – Mt. 7:21.

What Old Testament event in Genesis was a door closed and locked in divine judgment against those outside the door?

The Great Flood judgment (Gen 6-9). The people of Noah's time heard from Noah about the coming flood and had over 50 years when the Ark was being built to repent, before the door was shut. By the time the door was closed and locked, it was too late when the floor waters began to rise.

Likewise, we have this lifetime to change our ways and accept Jesus' invitation to enter the Kingdom, because the time may come like a thief in the night when it will be too late to pass through the door. 

What is this verse referring to?  And people will come from the east and west and from the north and south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.  

Here Jesus alludes to his rejection by many of the Jews and the invitation that is being extended to the Gentiles who will replace them at the banquet table in the Kingdom of God.

Who are the last who will replace those who were first?

All the people who answered Jesus’ invitation. There were many Jews, but far more Gentiles. 

So, what is the answer to the initial question: “Lord, will only a few be saved?”

1. The term ‘few’ and ‘many’ are relative. There have been 100 billion people throughout human history. All were

Fallen; many were good; and many, many more were bad. If less than half make it to heaven – say 20-40 billion, that’s fewer than didn’t make it, but still very many.   

2. The fact is that there is no quantifiable amount. As for the Church, it has never said one person is definitively 

going to hell. That’s not the Church’s job to decide. Only God know each human heart, and His judgment is perfect.  

Near Death Experiences

Our topic today – NDEs, or near-death experiences – touches the core of our human experience: life, death, and what lies beyond. This is not a new subject, but it is something that has fascinated humanity for millennia and continues to do so in our modern age. These are usually profound, often transformative experiences reported by individuals who have crossed the threshold of death and then returned to tell their stories.

People who report NDEs have many common descriptions of what happened, usually some combination of the following: 

• separation from the body with a heightened sense of consciousness and recognition of death, 

• travel to a destination in this world or in another, spiritual realm often through a tunnel towards a bright light, 

• encounters with spiritual beings or deceased loved ones, 

• a meaningful/purposeful review of life, involving critical analysis of past actions/intentions towards others, 

• being in a place that feels like “home” – a sense of overwhelming love, and

• a return back to life.  

So, what are these near-death experiences, and how do they relate to our Catholic understanding of life after death? 

While the accounts provided are compelling, as usual the Church maintains a cautious approach because it recognizes that such phenomena can attract attention or cause confusion. Pastors are responsible for handling them with care, discerning their fruits, purifying negative elements, and warning of potential dangers. As a general rule, the Church does not give positive recognition of the divine origin of alleged supernatural phenomena, though the Holy Father can certainly authorize a special procedure.

A Gallup survey in 1982 showed approximately 8 million adults in the US had a near death experience.  Since then, surveys indicate that about 17% of cardiac arrest patients have near-death experiences.  If you are interested, I have provided several sources/books. I read Science at the Doorstep to God by Fr. Robert Spritzer, PHD; he has a whole chapter on medically-documented NDEs. 

While the majority of experiences are very meaningful and lead to positive long-term psychological transformation and growth, not all of them are positive. There is a major subgroup of individuals who have an almost opposite experience: frightening or distressing experiences in relation to death that share almost none of the qualities listed above. 

On that note, be reminded that since paganism is still rampant today and many try to communicate with the dead, the devil is often all too happy to oblige. Remember, the devil (fallen angels) can only seriously engage with us if we invite him in. This is one of those easy ways to do so – seeking to communicate with the dead. It’s the devil’s favorite pastime! The Church is wise to express caution since these often lead to great confusion regarding the relationship between the living and the dead. While we believe in the “communion of saints” – which includes those in heaven, those in Purgatory, and us, the pilgrim Church on earth – we must avoid practices condemned by the Church, such as spiritism, which attempts to communicate with the dead.

So, how do we reconcile the accounts of NDEs with our Catholic faith? 

First, remember that NDEs are not doctrine nor do they constitute theological statements. That said, the Church acknowledges they can be powerful personal experiences that can offer a glimpse into the spiritual realm, perhaps even a foretaste of what awaits us. They can serve as a reminder of the reality of the soul, the existence of an afterlife, and the profound love of God. They can inspire us to live more virtuously, to seek reconciliation, and to deepen our faith.

Near-death experiences, when viewed through the lens of faith, can be seen as a call to deeper reflection on our own mortality and eternal destiny. They can prompt us to ask: Am I living a life worthy of the Gospel? Am I growing in love for God and neighbor? Am I prepared for my day of judgment?

NDEs have become their own field of study. Many accounts have gained widespread public attention and are often discussed in the context of NDE research and personal testimonies. These experiences, whether or not they are related to one’s faith, can sometimes prompt reflection on spiritual realities.

Here are a few more of the better-known NDE accounts/books that have been widely publicized:

1. George Ritchie's "Return from Tomorrow"

Dr. George Ritchie's NDE, which occurred in 1943 during his time in the military, was one of the earliest and most influential accounts to be widely published, notably through Dr. Raymond Moody's research. His story was detailed in the book Return from Tomorrow, co-authored by Elizabeth Sherrill.

• The Experience: Ritchie, then a medical student, died from pneumonia and was pronounced dead. He reported leaving his body and being met by a figure he identified as Jesus Christ.

• Key Elements: He described a rapid journey through various spiritual realms, including a "city of light" and areas where souls were still attached to earthly desires. He underwent a life review with Christ, where he saw his entire life unfold and understood the impact of his actions. He was then told to return to his body.

• Significance: Ritchie's account was pivotal in inspiring Dr. Raymond Moody's foundational research into NDEs, leading to Moody's seminal book Life After Life (1975), which first coined the term "near-death experience" and popularized the study of the phenomenon.

2. Dr. Eben Alexander's "Proof of Heaven"

Dr. Eben Alexander, a neurosurgeon, published a book titled Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife in 2012. His account is particularly notable because, as a neurosurgeon, he had a scientific and skeptical background regarding consciousness and the brain.

• The Experience: In 2008, Alexander contracted a severe form of bacterial meningitis that put him in a coma for seven days. During this time, his neocortex, the part of the brain responsible for thought and emotion, was completely shut down. Despite this, he reported a vivid and extensive NDE.

• Key Elements: He described traveling through a "wormhole" or "portal" accompanied by a "spinning melody," encountering a "Core" realm of pure love and light, and communicating with a female guide. He experienced a profound sense of unity, peace, and unconditional love, and gained insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the universe.

• Significance: Alexander's account gained significant attention because of his medical background, which he argued made it impossible for his experience to be a mere hallucination or brain malfunction, given the severe compromise of his brain function. He became a proponent of the idea that consciousness exists independently of the brain.

3. Betty J. Eadie's "Embraced by the Light"

Betty J. Eadie's 1992 book, Embraced by the Light, became a massive bestseller and is one of the most widely read NDE accounts.

• The Experience: In 1973, Eadie, then a young mother, underwent surgery and was pronounced clinically dead for a period of time.

• Key Elements: She described leaving her body, being greeted by three angelic beings, and traveling through a dark tunnel towards a brilliant light. She recounted meeting Jesus Christ, experiencing a life review where she felt the emotions of other people she had impacted, and receiving profound spiritual understanding about love, forgiveness, and the purpose of life. She also described visiting different spiritual realms, including a beautiful garden.

• Significance: Her book resonated with millions due to its detailed and comforting descriptions of the afterlife, emphasizing themes of unconditional love and the continuation of consciousness.

4. Colton Burpo's "Heaven Is for Real"

Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back (2010) tells the story of Colton Burpo, a young boy who, at age four, claimed to have visited heaven during an emergency appendectomy in 2003.

• The Experience: While undergoing surgery, Colton's heart stopped, and he was declared clinically dead.

• Key Elements: He recounted seeing Jesus, sitting on His lap, meeting his miscarried sister (whom his parents had never told him about), and his great-grandfather who had died years before Colton was born. He described heaven as a place of vibrant colors, angels, and animals, with Jesus having "markers" on His hands and feet.

• Significance: The book, written by his father, Todd Burpo, a pastor, became a cultural phenomenon, particularly among Christian audiences, and was later adapted into a successful film. Its appeal lay in the innocence of a child's perspective on heaven and the specific details Colton provided that his parents later verified.

5. In one example provided in Fr./Dr. Spritzer’s book (2023), the patient who experienced an NDE was blind from birth (p.131). She was in a bad car accident and was able to see for the first time and describe perfectly her ambulance drivers that brought her to the hospital as well as the staff who tried to resuscitate her when she arrived. She was then drawn up into a brightly lit heavenly domain where she encountered her deceased grandmother and then Jesus, the brightest light of all. This is not the only case of blind people that were cited having NDEs.    

Conclusion

While these accounts are compelling, the Church asks us not to go out seeking extraordinary signs but rather strive to live ordinary lives with extraordinary faith, hope, and charity. 

Closing Prayer: 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. 

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; 

And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan 

And all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Hail Mary…