“I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” John 10:9
This weekend is typically referred to as “Good Shepherd Weekend” as the Gospel reading depicts this image of Jesus as a shepherd. However, we also see this other image of the “gate” and the “gatekeeper.” Both images reinforce protection, nourishment, and a path or a way to follow. As Jesus description unfolds, it brings to mind another Gospel passage from Matthew – that of the “narrow gate,” Jesus’ reminder that the gate is wide and road to destruction is broad but the gate and road that leads to life are narrow. Jesus is one, his path is one, and if we seek eternal life, if we seek the verdant pastures, if we seek protection and nourishment – all the desires of our heart, Jesus is the way. Remaining in Jesus, we will find our way to these things, but his way is only “one,” and at times, it could prove to be difficult or challenging because it means letting go of our pride or selfishness; it means that it’s not my way but his way. Why? Because other paths or wider gates may be paved with good intentions or simply paved with sin and corruption, but only the path to goodness is paved with pure love, God’s love, and the “Good Shepherd” will always lead his sheep – the flock which He gives his life for – down a path of life.
Typically, during this weekend, we recall how priests, bishops, and the Pope are called to carry out this role of the “Good Shepherd,” how they’ve been entrusted as shepherds for the flock, for God’s people – protecting them, nourishing them, and pointing to the way – our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. It’s a humbling responsibility that priests, bishops, and the Pope undertake with care, obedience, and sacrifice – many times, placing aside personal opinions to remain on the “narrow road,” connected to the mind and the heart of the one Shepherd – Jesus Christ. This week, the Church offers several examples of saints who faithfully carried out this task such as Saint Athanasius – Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Saint Pius V – Pope, Saint Louis Mary de Montfort – Priest, and Saint Peter Chanel – Priest and Martyr. All good examples, especially for those priests, bishops, and the Pope serving in the world today – example of what it means to have the heart of a shepherd – the heart of Christ.
In Christ
Fr Robert