4/22/2024 (Monday) Today’s gospel reading: John 10:1-10

Jesus said:
1 “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 he 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,
they 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.”

4/22/2024 (Monday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 10:1-10

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.

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