Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 41(42):2-3,42:3-4
John 10:11-18
Are we willing to allow Jesus’ Spirit lead, protect and provide for us daily?
In today’s first reading (Acts 11:1-18) Peter is being criticised for associating with uncircumcised people. He tells those who are criticising him that what he did was instructed by God. Clearly, the message of salvation is meant for all people to hear and to believe regardless of their current beliefs. In todays gospel passage, Jesus declares, I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate but instead climbs in by another way is a thief and a brigand… I am the gate.
Gates serve as both entrances and exits, designed to contain the sheep and prevent unauthorized access. They close to protect and open to allow passage to life. The imagery of the gate resonates deeply with the current state of our society, our nation, and our individual lives.
As the gate for the sheep, Jesus signifies that salvation is attainable solely through faith in His name and acknowledgment of Him as Shepherd, symbolized by the cross. In John 10:10, Jesus states, I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.. Matthew Henry, in his commentary on John chapter 10, notes that ’ the great shepherd of the sheep knows all His own, guards them through His providence, guides them by His Spirit and His word, and leads them as Eastern shepherds guided their flocks, setting them upon His path.
Hence, the hallmark of a good shepherd is the willingness to sacrifice life for the safety of the sheep, exemplified by the story of the cross. Christ died for humanity so that we might have life in abundance. He is the Good Shepherd who calls His followers—the sheep—who recognize His voice, follow Him, and are never cast out. As His sheep, we can trust that he will never reject us even when the world turns away.
Fr Joseph Osho
