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John 10:1-10
The image of the gate was especially expressive of the role of the shepherd. As the sheep entered the gate there was a guarantee of security from the many sources of violence and even death that waited in the darkness of the night.
During the night the shepherd literally slept in the gate, the entrance to the sheepfold. Any coming or going had to go through the protective presence of the shepherd.
In the morning, the shepherd led the sheep out of the gate to the fertile fields that offered satisfying food and drink.
The gate was truly s symbol of life that was offered in abundance. During the Easter Season we are called to ponder and pray about the great Mystery of the Crucified and Risen Christ. This is the true source of our life in abundance.
Only when we bring our life experiences to the Easter message can we begin to get a glimpse of how Jesus came into the world to bring us life and to bring life In abundance.
The message of the full life is repeated over and over in the Gospel of John. It is most appropriate for the Easter Season. In the loving encounter with Jesus, we recall the great victory of life over death, of good over evil. Because of the Easter event we not only have life in abundance, we have the highest quality of life, eternal life.
John uses the “I AM” statements in the fourth Gospel to invite us into the mystery of God. The Evangelist is revealing, in the person of Jesus, the source of eternal life to sinners. In the resurrection, Jesus is the “gate” that opens to eternal life. He is the life-source in the “vine,” the “life” and the “resurrection.” He is the “gate” and the “way” for sinners searching in the darkness and unpredictability of life. He is the “shepherd” guiding us in our confusion and bewilderment. He is the “bread” that nourishes along the way.
In this season of Easter, we are invited to enter in the “gate” of life in the face of our daily hassles and insecurities. We are the people of the Alleluia. The victory has been won. We attain the victory through “gate” that is Jesus, the Risen Lord. He will lead us to embrace life and live it to the full with the Alleluia ringing in our hearts.