A reading from the gospel according to John 10:1-10:
1 Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
2 But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
5 But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”
6 Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
7 So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.
8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
10 A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Reflection: Abundant Life
The gospel reading above can be divided into two parts. The first part which covers verses 1 to 5 speaks of Jesus as the shepherd while the rest tells us of Jesus’ claim as the gate. In between, it says that His listeners particularly the Pharisees can not realize what was being talked about.
Jesus tries to differentiate Himself with the devil who is the thief, the robber, and a stranger to His sheep. While Jesus gives His sheep proper nourishment, the thief would destroy life through addiction and other forms of sin. Likewise, Jesus the shepherd would lead His sheep through the door which is safe but the robber of freedom would lead his followers through dangerous paths.
In the second part, we hear Jesus telling us that He is the gate. We know what a gate is. It is open so we could enter into a safe and secure place. It is closed for security reasons. Jesus promised that if we pass through this “gate”, we will be saved and find pasture.
The sheep may not be the most intelligent animals on earth but they are peaceful and easy to lead. They know their shepherd and recognize His voice. Of course the Pharisees are intelligent and educated but they could not comprehend what Jesus was saying because they refuse to recognize the voice of Jesus as the voice of God their Father.
Let us pray that Jesus may guide us so that we may always pass through the right door. Like the sheep, may we listen and be able to recognize His voice. Moreover, may we learn to be obedient to Him as He leads us to pasture. Amen.
*****Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beautiful chapter in the bible. It talks about the good shepherd who leads the flock to green pastures and who protects it from the valley of death. It is very similar to the gospel reading above except that Jesus claims that He Himself is the gate for the sheep.
Green pasture is a perfect image of an abundant life. No good shepherd will ever bring his sheep to an arid land where they will be starved. That is why Jesus used the good shepherd as His image because He truly cares for us. He wants us to be happy by providing our need for food and security. He wants all of us to be saved. He calls us by name and opens the gate of His kingdom so we can enjoy His riches.
Too bad not everyone responds to His call. Some people hear the voice of the Lord and see Him opening the gate but instead of entering, they run away and follow the thief. A real shepherd may force every sheep to enter the sheepfold but Jesus does not force anyone to follow Him. He respects our freedom of choice. He loves us but He does not force us to love Him back.
It is really a pity that Jesus’ offer of an abundant life is rejected by a lot of people. They are more enamored by the easy but deadly offer of a thief which is the devil. No wonder, when they were given a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, they chose the latter. No wonder, the world now is as it was before. So many lives are stolen, slaughtered and destroyed by sin and injustice.
*****
In this gospel passage, Jesus portrays Himself as both the shepherd and the gate, a rich metaphor that offers deep comfort and guidance to all who listen. At the heart of this passage is an assurance of safety and the promise of abundant life.
Jesus begins by distinguishing the true shepherd from thieves and robbers. He describes the shepherd as the one who enters by the gate, known by name to the gatekeeper. This imagery reminds us that legitimacy and rightful access matter in spiritual pursuits. Jesus, as the shepherd, doesn’t sneak or force His way in; He enters through the gate, which represents truth and rightful authority.
Moreover, Jesus asserts Himself as the gate. In this dual role, He is both the protector and the path to safety. As the gate, He offers a protective boundary from the harshness of the outside world and a passage to green pastures. This metaphor emphasizes that safety and abundance are not found in wandering aimlessly or following false promises but through Jesus Himself.
The thieves come only to “steal and kill and destroy,” but Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. This contrast sets the stage for making a choice about whom to follow. Choosing Jesus means opting for an existence not merely lived but richly experienced, marked by spiritual fullness and peace.
In our lives, this reading invites us to reflect on our choices and the paths we take. Are we entering through Jesus, embracing His guidance and protection? Are we experiencing the full, abundant life He offers, or are we allowing thieves—be they doubt, fear, or worldly distractions—to rob us of our peace and purpose?
Let us then listen for the shepherd’s voice, follow His lead, and enter through Him, finding safety, truth, and abundant life. In Him, we find not just survival, but a life vibrantly and fully lived.
