The Gate Can Swing Both Ways

MONDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 11:1-18
Ps 41(42):2-3,42:3-4
Jn 10:1-10

After Jesus performed an incredible miracle, healing the man born blind on the Sabbath, the Pharisees couldn’t help but dig deeper into the matter. But guess what? Jesus saw this as the perfect opportunity to enlighten the crowd about spiritual blindness—and today’s Gospel brings us even closer to the heart of His message. Jesus boldly declares, “I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand.” And then, with a powerful declaration, He says, “I am the gate!”

Think about it: gates open and close all around us. They protect the sheep from danger while keeping the thieves and bandits at bay. They shut out death and swing wide to welcome life! This imagery of the gate fascinates me because it perfectly mirrors what’s happening in our nation, our communities, and even in our personal lives. Take Nigeria, for example. We’re grappling with insecurity that points to poor governance, leaving the gates of safety torn apart for the masses while only a select few bask in security.

In the realms of commerce and business, clarity can be elusive. For some, the answers jump out; for others, they remain a riddle. Together, they reveal something profound: the gate can swing both ways!

In our homes, some have flung open their doors to selfishness and pride, turning their houses into chaos. Meanwhile, others have welcomed Jesus in, and the floodgates of heaven pour down blessings of peace and joy—even amid life’s storms! When it comes to the quality of our lives, some chase after material possessions, but others hold tightly to faith, hope, and love. Ultimately, the essence of a fulfilling life isn’t about the quantity of stuff but the richness of a virtuous life—goodness, mercy, faithfulness, righteousness, love, and peace. It’s about compounding value over compounding interest!

As the Door and Gate for the sheep, Jesus makes it clear: salvation is ours for the taking when we walk through that gate, believing in His name and following our Shepherd. In John 10:10, He passionately declares, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Matthew Henry beautifully notes in his commentary on John 10 that “The great Shepherd of the sheep knows all that are his, guards them by his providence, guides them by his Spirit and word, and goes before them, as the Eastern shepherd went before their sheep, to set them in the way of his footsteps.”

The hallmark of a true shepherd? He’s willing to lay down His life for the sheep! That’s the essence of the cross. “Christ died for us so that we may have life—life overflowing!” Jesus is the good shepherd, calling out to His flock. Those who hear His voice follow Him, and fear not! As His sheep, if we believe Jesus is the Messiah, we can rest assured He will never cast us away—even when the world may let us down. So let’s embrace Him! Let’s step through that gate and grab hold of the abundant life He promises.

Fr Joseph Osho