Jesus' wisdom is wonderful. It teaches us not to be naïve, but also not to fall into the other extreme of not trusting anyone. We learn to relate to others according to the gradualness of their journey. Sometimes we reproach ourselves for not having explicitly testified to our faith, but, then, it may actually be good common sense sometimes to curb it. It is better to testify with our life than by announcing a Gospel that another is not ready to welcome. Jesus adds that it helps to try to identify ourselves with others. We always remember the delicacy with which God accompanied us.
Jesus, with profound balance, directs us in this passage not to reach the opposite extreme of not supervising the testimony we are to give. In a serene and gradual journey, God helps us look for ways of growth. Scripture warns us that in certain passages the journey can be through narrow doors, not exposing ourselves, taking refuge in our den or, on the other hand, imposing ourselves on others, doing without listening. There are healthy tensions but there are also bogus tensions from which God frees us. So at the right time we not only go through the narrow door but also look for it. Without this commitment we cannot find it. In life there are margins of response to grace which depend on ourselves. One can close oneself in one's own false certainties, in one's pride, even when grace with delicacy shows us possible new horizons, a leap to be able to live.
The challenge is to keep God ever on our minds. That is difficult as we face crises in our lives, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are bombarded by the false promises of wealth, fame, pleasure, and prestige. So many people choose the easy way not because they consciously want to turn their back on God, but because they get caught up in following the crowd, taking the path of least resistance.
The choice is given to us. God offers us a spectacular experience if we are willing to take the path least traveled. It may take more effort and a conscious decision on our part, because it won’t just happen as we speed down the highways of life. Yet the experience that awaits us as we sense the presence of God is truly overwhelming. We will be able to say with the psalmist today: “Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised!”