From today’s Gospel reading of John 10:1-10

“I am the gate.
Anyone who enters through me will be safe:
he will go freely in and out
and be sure of finding pasture.”

In pondering this specific passage this morning, I am reminded of the Sacrament of Penance and our Lords “Forgiveness”. Not only is it there to cleanse the souls who have been away from the Church for many years, but also for all, in exile, because we walk out of “The Gate” many times, into this world surrounded by evil, only to run back in through “The Gate” to the refuge of Our Lord. Like new born chicks rush under the wing of their mother for protection.

Once the soul realizes the “Gate” will never lock it out, while in exile, the gift of peace and joy is revealed. The “Gate” is locked shut with the “Sheep” safe inside, when the soul is no longer in exile as long as the “Sheep” returns home before that time comes. The soul then strives for perfection for God and not self. That is why it is SO important to lead a Holy Life in Christ all the days in “Exile”. Because one never knows when his Master will call him home.

One beautiful personal message I received today at Mass was four little words, that carry the weight of the world for me. “I love you, anyway”. So many times have I ran through “The Gate” without even stopping to appreciate how beautiful “The Gate” is and cherish “The Gate” for being there. There is where the joy and peace can be found.