The easier we try to make life the harder it gets. There are plenty of charlatans ready to promise an easy way for each and every aspect of our lives, and plenty of fools willing to follow. Let’s not be among them. 

The Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza concluded his greatest intellectual work with this line: “All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.” Why is excellence so rare in any arena? Because it is difficult. If it were easy, it would be common. 

As Jesus told us: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Saint Sabina knew that the narrow way was difficult, but she heroically traveled it nonetheless.

In the early second century, Sabina was a Roman noblewoman accustomed to a life of privilege. As a widow from a prominent family, she had societal approval and material comfort. However, Sabina was profoundly influenced by her servant, Serapia, a devout Christian. Serapia’s unwavering faith opened Sabina’s eyes to the meaninglessness of the indulgent life she was living. Sabina then chose a different path: the narrow way of Christianity.

Choosing the narrow way meant great personal risk for Sabina. During Emperor Hadrian's reign, Christians faced intense persecution. When Serapia was arrested and martyred, Sabina courageously claimed her body and ensured a proper Christian burial, directly challenging oppressive powers. Sabina herself was martyred soon after.

Saint Sabina chose the narrow way, because she knew that with all its difficulties and hardships, the rewards promised by Jesus were infinitely greater.

The wide road lays before us the seduction of pleasure, but pleasure always gives less than it promises, and is completely incapable of delivering what we truly desire, which is fullness of life. The narrow way is difficult, but the joy that comes from throwing ourselves into this quest has no limits. 

Our lazy human nature is ever seeking the easy way, the path of least resistance, the most pleasurable or convenient option. But are we ever better for it? 

There are no signposts except those in our hearts. One reads life and other says destruction. The choice is yours, and mine, and it is a choice we are constantly making. Are you choosing life or destruction? 

The wide path is easy and leads to destruction. The narrow way is difficult and leads to life. Which will you choose today?



Feast Day: August 29 (The Passion of Saint John the Baptist)

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Ermete

Patron Saint of: The Diocese of Avezzano, Italy