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| I am the "Gate" or "Door" into Eternal Life |
The word of God takes us back to the outpouring of the Spirit upon the disciples, to St. Peter courageously and boldly proclaiming Jesus is risen and gloriously alive; Jesus is the Messiah, the foundation and fulfillment of the hopes of Ancient Israel.
The letter of Peter encourages a persecuted community to see Jesus as their model. The mystery of suffering, accepted in faith, can bring healing for others. The suffering of Jesus reestablished our relationship with God: God in us and we in God!
The Gospel portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the gate into eternal life. It gives us several images: “I am” the bread; the vine; the way, the truth and the life; the resurrection; the good shepherd. These “I am” sayings allude to the divinity of Jesus.
I particularly like Jesus as the gate or door. An open door welcomes friends, fresh air and light. A door can shelter. Architects spend a great deal of effort on an entry or facade to make a statement. Doors can speak for us, as well. A door may indicate status. The courthouse door may lead to justice. The college door: learning and discovery. Doors may be transitions from fear to safety, from isolation to community.
The church door – or these days an online portal – welcomes us to God’s presence.
Jesus is the gate, the “door” through which we pass from this transitory earthly life into a transfigured heavenly life. On our journey, Jesus is our gateway into life in all its fullness.
The Easter season is all about life and hope. In Jesus’s death on Good Friday is hidden his glorious resurrection at Easter. Yes, Jesus Christ lives and because he lives, we live. The Easter season challenges us to “reset our lives” each day.
How? A best seller titled Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World offers some advice. The author, William McRaven, cites little things, life-lessons, that aren't little at all. Here are a few:
--make your bed every morning, because when you accomplish one thing early, you'll be motivated to achieve more. Start with a task done.
--to change the world, find someone to help you, to mentor you from goals to achievement.
--always measure people by the size of their heart, by the will to do well.
--remember life isn't fair, and keep going. Without challenges, you'll never realize your potential.
--In dark moments, you have to be your very best—calm and composed and strategic—to bring all your skills of mind and strength of character to bear.
And never underestimate the power of hope. The Easter season is about hope in God. At every stage in our earthly pilgrimage, through death into eternal life, God is present. May our hope always guide us to look for the good in people; to discover what can be done.
Yes, Jesus Christ is risen. And because he is gloriously alive, we live.
