The Gate And The Shepherd

26 April 2010

Today’s Readings: Acts 11:1-18/Jn 10:1-10

REFLECTION
The metaphor of the gate and the shepherd complement each other. The shepherd is the heart and the soul of the flock. They entrust him to take care of all their needs. He calls his flock to grace in the fields and leads them out of the sheepfold. In this sense he is like a gate, the passageway of the flock to the pastures which give them life and back to the sheepfold which gives them safety.

Today’s Gospel presents Jesus as both gate and shepherd, for he provides everything necessary for the life and security of his flock, his faithful disciples. He makes us aware of the presence of thieves and robbers and strangers who pose a great threat to us his flock. They only bring disaster because of their insistence on meticulous observance of human regulations which are not essential and do not bring life and communion to followers. Jesus alone brings true life to be4lievers, because he alone has true communion with his Father, the origin of all life.

PRAYER
Loving Father, help us to recognize the thieves and robbers of our faith. Teach us to be merciful to our brothers and sisters as a shepherd guides his flock. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.