Many famous cities have a “Gate” in their city-centres.
Some are very magnificent, some very simple.
Most of them carry some dates or some mottos.
They point to some particular and important happenings
in that area or in the country.
These gates are with out doors.
They are always open which symbolizes the hospitality and freedom.
Jesus compares himself today as a Gate.
He is also trying to convey this aspect of freedom and hospitality
with this comparison.
The context of this comparison is connected with his parable “sheep and shepherd” which we see further in John’s Gospel. Jesus is speaking from the context of the lives of Israelites. They know what this job is and its dangers.
To be a shepherd is not an easy job even though it seems to be like that.
First of all the geographical context was challenging. The shepherds had to spend days and nights with the fold. They have to be very vigilant against the enemies and wild animals. To find food (grass) and water was also not that easy in a land like Palestine. They have to sleep near to their fold, not under some roofs or silky and soft beds.
That means to be shepherd one has to be very adventurous and flexible.
All these closeness will develop a certain “relation” between the shepherd and his sheep. They move and feed according to the gestures and sounds of their shepherd. The shepherd also understands the needs and dangers from them animals too. This special communication between the shepherd and sheep and it is more emotional and lively.
Jesus is ultimately aiming such a deep communication between his shepherd and sheep- the leaders in the church and the faithful.
But in many part of the world, we see many are leaving the Pastures, instead of entering the “Gate” of Jesus. Many Christians are unsatisfied with some matters inside the church. Many are looking for some other freedom other than the offer of Jesus. There can be so many motives and reasons.
There are different personal and collective aims. Some are even targeted and planned. Still it raises some questions:
Is it because, we, the modern shepherds are failing to recognize the needs of our sheep. Is it a sign that we cannot communicate them in their “lives”?
It may hurt some of us, when we hear comments like, many of today’s shepherds are less caring their shepherds and avoiding the “dangers” of their mission or many cannot recognize the voice of their sheep and vice versa.
Jesus clearly says he is the “Gate” through which we the church, his sheep has to enter. His disciples are the shepherd. Of course their successors share this mission. Jesus means all such closeness and vigilance from his shepherds, in his church. It is a dangerous call to us.
But he promises, entering this Jesus - gate leads one to salvation and freedom. Sheep are “going in and out” after finding Jesus.
It symbolizes the ultimate spiritual freedom of the faithful,
who have “found Jesus”, who have “entered in to his life”.
St. Peter expresses the same concept of Evangelist John in the acts (Acts 2, 36-41). He is teaching to turn to Jesus, and get baptized in Jesus. It is equal to say “to enter the Gate of Jesus”. The forgiveness of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit are the “Freedom in Jesus”.
The Scripture readings of this Sunday question all the shepherds of Jesus today. How much we transmit the psalmist’s prayer in the famous 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd”.
Am I/ are you really a good shepherd?
Can you hear and recognize the voice and needs of your people in your church? Are you for them completely? How adventurous you are in your mission? There are many who claims they are “not in need” of Jesus. How can I make Jesus available in my church?
Jesus stays as the gate of life and freedom. How can I reaffirm this life and freedom of God to my present world and present life?
Can I proclaim a living God in my words and Life?
Is my church a place of hospitality and spiritual freedom in Jesus?
Let us entrust our works and sheep to the eternal shepherd Jesus.
Let his spirit guide us in our mission. God bless us all. Amen!
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Some are very magnificent, some very simple.
Most of them carry some dates or some mottos.
They point to some particular and important happenings
in that area or in the country.
These gates are with out doors.
They are always open which symbolizes the hospitality and freedom.
Jesus compares himself today as a Gate.
He is also trying to convey this aspect of freedom and hospitality
with this comparison.
The context of this comparison is connected with his parable “sheep and shepherd” which we see further in John’s Gospel. Jesus is speaking from the context of the lives of Israelites. They know what this job is and its dangers.
To be a shepherd is not an easy job even though it seems to be like that.
First of all the geographical context was challenging. The shepherds had to spend days and nights with the fold. They have to be very vigilant against the enemies and wild animals. To find food (grass) and water was also not that easy in a land like Palestine. They have to sleep near to their fold, not under some roofs or silky and soft beds.
That means to be shepherd one has to be very adventurous and flexible.
All these closeness will develop a certain “relation” between the shepherd and his sheep. They move and feed according to the gestures and sounds of their shepherd. The shepherd also understands the needs and dangers from them animals too. This special communication between the shepherd and sheep and it is more emotional and lively.
Jesus is ultimately aiming such a deep communication between his shepherd and sheep- the leaders in the church and the faithful.
But in many part of the world, we see many are leaving the Pastures, instead of entering the “Gate” of Jesus. Many Christians are unsatisfied with some matters inside the church. Many are looking for some other freedom other than the offer of Jesus. There can be so many motives and reasons.
There are different personal and collective aims. Some are even targeted and planned. Still it raises some questions:
Is it because, we, the modern shepherds are failing to recognize the needs of our sheep. Is it a sign that we cannot communicate them in their “lives”?
It may hurt some of us, when we hear comments like, many of today’s shepherds are less caring their shepherds and avoiding the “dangers” of their mission or many cannot recognize the voice of their sheep and vice versa.
Jesus clearly says he is the “Gate” through which we the church, his sheep has to enter. His disciples are the shepherd. Of course their successors share this mission. Jesus means all such closeness and vigilance from his shepherds, in his church. It is a dangerous call to us.
But he promises, entering this Jesus - gate leads one to salvation and freedom. Sheep are “going in and out” after finding Jesus.
It symbolizes the ultimate spiritual freedom of the faithful,
who have “found Jesus”, who have “entered in to his life”.
St. Peter expresses the same concept of Evangelist John in the acts (Acts 2, 36-41). He is teaching to turn to Jesus, and get baptized in Jesus. It is equal to say “to enter the Gate of Jesus”. The forgiveness of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit are the “Freedom in Jesus”.
The Scripture readings of this Sunday question all the shepherds of Jesus today. How much we transmit the psalmist’s prayer in the famous 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd”.
Am I/ are you really a good shepherd?
Can you hear and recognize the voice and needs of your people in your church? Are you for them completely? How adventurous you are in your mission? There are many who claims they are “not in need” of Jesus. How can I make Jesus available in my church?
Jesus stays as the gate of life and freedom. How can I reaffirm this life and freedom of God to my present world and present life?
Can I proclaim a living God in my words and Life?
Is my church a place of hospitality and spiritual freedom in Jesus?
Let us entrust our works and sheep to the eternal shepherd Jesus.
Let his spirit guide us in our mission. God bless us all. Amen!
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
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