THE GATE IS OPEN

THE GATE IS OPEN
In John’s Gospel we can find Jesus comparing himself with different things or realities, always with the intention that those who listen to him understand what role He plays within the plan of salvation that God the Father carries out through the Son. This is why Jesus says: "I am the way and the truth and the life" (Jn 14, 6), "I am the resurrection and the life" (Jn 11, 25), "I am the living bread that come down from heaven” (Jn 6, 51), “I am the good shepherd” (Jn 10, 11), “I am the light of the world” (Jn 8, 12). In this Sunday's Gospel Jesus says of himself: "I am the gate" (Jn 10:9). When Jesus says that he is the door, he indicates that only through him can one reach the Father (Jn 14:6). Only through Him is there salvation (Acts 4:12). Jesus is for us an open gate, He is not a closed gate. Christ's redemptive act opens direct access to the divine; the encounter of the human being with his creator is once again possible. Of course, the human being must try to get to where the gate is open (to get there where the Lord asks us to be), and in the same way it depends on us to pass through the gate that is already open. In order to reach Jesus and pass through the gate, it is necessary to listen to the voice of the Lord, who calls us to be with Him. Through his company and our attentive listening to his word, we will be able to understand the mystery of our salvation and try to live the evangelical advice that has its source in the words, life and works of Jesus himself. In the plan of salvation there is only one way and there is only one gate, there are no shortcuts, we cannot access God by other means for personal convenience. The proposal that Jesus gives us through his gospel has a very well-defined purpose, in the words of Jesus himself: "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." Let us place our trust in God, who always looks at us with mercy. Let us listen carefully to the words of the Lord and put them into practice. The Lord has come to meet us, and for us he has given his life. Amen.

Fr. Carlos Flores, OSA