“A Joyous Entrance through the Shepherd’s Gate”
In our first reading and in our Gospel this morning we are charged with many difficult tasks and options that may not have much appeal to us….options that, in a northern climate, may not make a lot of sense
“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
This is a theme that is heard many times in the New Testament…giving away our possessions so that others might have what they need. Clearly it does not make much sense to give away one’s only winter coat or warm boots. We would surly freeze to death or end up with frostbite on our feet. However we must wrestle ourselves into the question: “ How much is enough?” Have we sorted out the difference between need, want and desire?
The call in our first reading is to share. To break bread with each other; to share what we have so as to ensure there is enough for all. The abundance of creation actually does provide enough for all, it is we humans who have created an unbalanced equation on our planet.
Jesus is unequivocal in his statement
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
How do we understand a life that is full. If it is simply having lots’ of stuff, all that we want to eat, all of our favorite toys and music and art and leisure activities and houses and cars and a high paying job….we have missed the boat. We have not seen the “ open gate” that leads to a life that is balanced and full… a life filled with Sprit, led by the example that Christ put before us.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.
In Christ we will find peace, a way balanced with grace and stillness, a joyful way of being in the world.
The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.
So…are we listening? Have we heard the shepherds voice? Have we sought out the gate to the pasture that is Jesus? It takes discipline and intention. It s a life long journey. The cool things about the gate…is that it is always open. we are free to come and go as we please. We can dance in the pasture, we can enter joyously or hide in the shadows… the choice is our to make. It does not need a huge banner or trumpets in the sky to announce that we are ready to enter his gates with thanksgiving.
However each time we spend time in prayer, offering care and kindness, moving with compassion in the world world, acting without judgment, placing others first….we are dancing in the pasture…we have made yet another joyous entrance through the shepherd’s gate.
It is a life long journey