Sheep can enter only through the Sheep gate

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Fourth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 10:1-10*

*First Reading : Acts 2:14a, 36-41*

*SECOND READING 1 Pt 2:20b-25*

*Sheep can enter only through the Sheep gate*

*1) Sheepfold, Sheep gate and the Sheep*

In the Gospel of the day we have these three important concepts 

*Sheepfold* A group of sheep where sheep are together. It is a shelter for the sheep

Sheep gate is the entrance through which the sheep can go in and come out from the place where the sheep stay together 

Sheep is an innocent animal which is able to recognize the voice of the Master and follow the master but runs away from the stranger 

*2) Sheep entering through the Sheep Gate*

Sheep is kept in a secure place. This place is protected from all the sides and there is only one gate to it 

The sheep can go in and come out only through this gate 

There is no other entrance to the sheepfold. A sheep which does not want to go through the gate can't enter into the sheepfold

Such a sheep will be excluded from the rest of the sheep and it will be left alone 

*3) Jesus is the Gate of the Sheepfold*

The Gospel clearly says that jesus is the gate for the sheepfold

Since Jesus himself is the gate, all the sheep can go in and come out only through this gate 

So this highlights the role of Jesus as the gate to the Sheepfold 

*4) Jesus is the only Gate to the Heaven*

From the imagery of the gate and the Sheepfold, Jesus clearly says that Jesus is the real gate to heaven 

There is no other gate to Heaven. 

All those who would like to go to heaven must go in only through this gate 

That's why Jesus empathetically says *I am the gate for the sheep*

So sheep has no other option to enter into the Sheepfold, unless one is ready to enter through this gate 

*5) The various material of the gate of the Sheep*

Jesus as the gate for the sheep includes the following things in the gate 

Forgiveness

Service 

Love 

Simplicity

Humility

Sacrifice

Truthfulness 

Generosity

Sincerity

Prayer 

Devotion

Sharing 

All these are various aspects of the gate of the Sheepfold

*6) Am I ready to enter through the gate?*

There is no other way than Jesus to enter into the Sheepfold 

When we are in the world we forget to think that we are supposed to get ready to go to the sheepfold, that is heaven

Which can be achieved only by going through the gate, and Jesus himself is the Gate 

So am I ready to enter the gate and get into the sheepfold?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*