Replies

<< Monday, April 22, 2013 >>

Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4

John 10:1-10

GATER-AID

"My solemn word is this: I am the Sheepgate." —John 10:7

Jesus is the Founder, Head, and Gate of the Church. If a person does not enter the Church through Jesus but climbs in some other way, that person will tend to be "a thief and a marauder" (Jn 10:1). For example, if a person entered into leadership of the Church primarily through the gates of education, giftedness, or popularity, that person's leadership will probably hurt the Church. Leaders need to be chosen by Jesus, the Good Shepherd and the Gate. How many organists, liturgists, DREs, youth directors, pastoral associates, members of parish councils, committee heads, etc., have entered into their positions in the Church through gates other than Jesus?

We can apply this more personally by recognizing our families as "domestic Churches." Has every family activity, decision, TV program, and purchase entered your life through Jesus, the Gate? Does this explain how Dad's joy, Mom's peace, and the children's faith have been stolen?

Jesus will only be the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6) for us if He is the Gateway. When Jesus is the Gateway, He is the Truth Who sets us free from lying thieves (see Jn 8:32) and Who gives us life to the full (Jn 10:10).

Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to make Jesus the only Gate into my life.

Promise: "God has granted life-giving repentance even to the Gentiles." —Acts 11:18

Praise: Teenage Juan persuaded his family to pray a daily rosary.

OFFICIAL HYMN OF THE CLUB OF THE ELDERLY IN A PARISH

Now at the end of life,
O Holy Mother of the Redeemer,
we, the elderly of San Antonio,
come to you with hope.
Be our walking staff when we stumble.
Be our eyes when we no longer see.
Give us your hand, O sure, unfailing guide,
as now the light here fades.
Singing, we will journey together.
and on our cross joined to you,
we will go together with you
to heaven, there where youth is eternal.

One Bread, One Body

GATER-AID