Gospel: John 10:1-10

‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Reflection:

The gospel for today is from John 10:1-10 that leaves us a powerful message. Jesus in this passage used the metaphor of a shepherd. He wanted to describe His relationship with His followers using the shepherd as a symbol. He declared himself to be the gate which the sheep will enter. Anyone who will enter through Him will find true heaven.

So, what does this passage in our gospel from John 10:1-10 is all about? Simple as it is but it is about Jesus as our only way to salvation. As a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus will protect us as well. We are the sheep and Jesus is the shepherd. Anybody who will cheat on his/her way to salvation will fail.

It is very clear that Jesus in John 10:1-10 is telling us to persevere and do good things while we are here on earth. For as long as He is with us, we will always have our light. In the next phase of our journey, we will always find our way through Him. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light.

In another sense, John 10:1-10 also wants us to think of abundant life in the Kingdom of God. As the shepherd, He wanted us to live in His greenest pastures. Jesus promised us to a life that is overflowing with blessings.

John 10:1-10 teaches us that Jesus is the only way to salvation and a fulfilling life. He is the gate through which we must enter. As his followers, we can trust and follow Him. He knows our deepest secrets and what is inside our hearts. Jesus will give us the happiness we desire in this lifetime if we hold onto Him. For this, He will always desire the best for us. – Clea | Helpline PH