FEAST OF SAINT APOLLINARIS – 20th JULY
July 20, 2026
MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 20 JULY
July 20, 2026
20 July, 2026
“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” – Matthew 7:14
Heavenly Father, Your love for mankind is unsurpassable, which is why You sent Jesus to show us the way to Your Kingdom, where we can enjoy eternal life. Following Jesus requires intentional sacrifice and denying worldly desires, making it a challenging path that only a minority choose to pursue. Jesus told us of the two fundamentally different ways of living.
The Broad Road represents the easy, popular path of least resistance. It symbolizes living for immediate worldly comfort, self-promotion, or conforming to society’s standards. Tragically, Jesus warns that this effortless road leads to spiritual destruction. The Narrow, small gate requires intention and leaving behind spiritual baggage, such as pride and selfishness. The original Greek word translated as “difficult” or “hard” means constricted or afflicted. It signifies that discipleship involves self-denial, resisting cultural conformity, and enduring trials.
While the narrow path is demanding, Jesus promises it ultimately leads to “life”—meaning true peace, flourishing faith, and eternal salvation as the final destination. Lord, we know that the primary takeaway is that living a faithful, Christ-centered life requires unwavering commitment, because the majority of people are drawn to the comfort of the broad road. Those who choose the difficult path of truth and obedience remain few, and we implore You that by Your Grace, we may have the courage to adhere zealously to the right path, in Jesus’ Name. Amen
