After Jesus has just saved a blind man and butted heads with the Pharisees, he gives a figure of speech to distinguish Himself and His way from deceivers.
Jesus emphasizes that the true shepherd enters through the gate. The fathers write that in the first part, by gate he is referring to the Scriptures. Here's a quote:
"The Scriptures He calls the door. They admit us to the knowledge of God, they protect the sheep, they shut out the wolves, they bar the entrance to heretics. He that uses not the Scriptures, but climbs up some other way, i.e. some self-chosen, some unlawful way, is a thief."
And through all the words of the Scriptures God speaks a single Word, Christ. The Porter can be taken as either Christ again, since He reveals Himself, or the Holy Spirit, who leads to all truth.
The gate is also Christ, who opens to the Father. How then should one approach those called by God, those whose names God has written in heaven? One should approach the children of God as Christ does. Here is a quote from the fathers:
"He enters by the door, who enters by Christ, who imitates the suffering of Christ, who is acquainted with the humility of Christ, so as to feel and know, that if God became man for us, man should not think himself God, but man. He who being man wishes to appear God, does not imitate Him, who being God, became man. You are bid to think less of yourself than you are, but to know what you are."
So we are to remember the humanity of Christ in our relations with others.
Jesus says that the sheep who hear his voice will go in and out, and find pasture. What does he mean by this? St. Augustine interprets in light the following line: "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." The just live by faith in this world, and they enter into eternal life when they go out to the next. Friends, the promises of heaven are so sweet: "For the Lamb who is in the center if throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Rev 7:17). It will be bliss. So we should find ourselves living each day for eternity. Or think on the promises in the Bread of Life discourse. "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst" (Jn 6:35). While it is true that God will give us life, all we need, and a hundredfold in this world, it remains true that God wants to give us heaven. Let us let our hearts expand to desire the things of heaven!
Lord, send forth your Holy Spirit to open our minds to Your Presence in the Scriptures and in our daily life. Give us a great love for God's Word, Your Person, so that we always seek to know You more fully. For "this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (Jn 17:3). By Your revelation and shepherds lead us to life and even to eternal life. Let us hear your voice when you call us, and respond by following You.
Mary, cause of our joy, help us to discern the voice of the Good Shepherd who brings us life from all the many voices we hear. Teach us to ponder all of God's revelation in our heart. Mould us into the image of Christ, so that we might better serve God and neighbor. Fill our hearts with the life that Jesus has promised, and help us to be patient until we can join Him in heaven.
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