As we drive around the country side or even walk through our neighborhoods, we see all sorts of fences and gates.  We see farm gates to enter fields, we see gates to people’s yards, we see gated communities; we see ornamental gates; on and on the list could go. But basically all these gates are there to keep animals in, to keep intruders out, or to be objects of welcome to one’s home. Often taken for granted, they all have a particular purpose.
    Seldom however do we refer to a person as a gate.  Yet on this Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, Jesus identifies Himself in the gospel reading not directly as the Good Shepherd, but as the gate for the sheep. That may sound strange at first, but what Jesus is saying is that as the gate He is the passageway through which others are led to God. He is the intermediary who answers the knock and offers a safe place for those who seek God.
    Interestingly, shepherds during Jesus lifetime, were indeed living gates for their sheep. Standing at the entrance of the fold, they would make sure that every single sheep was accounted for. Once safe in the enclosure, the shepherd would lay down across the opening and there keep watch over the lives of flock. Jesus the Good Shepherd laid down His life on the cross in order to gain for us life eternal.
    Jesus’ call to us is to continue His mission in the world today: that means that we too must becomes gates for one another: being a passage way that enables others to come to know God. Being that gate means that each of us witnesses to our faith by the way we live, and encourages others to be followers of Jesus as well.
    As we continue through this Easter Season, and celebrate the risen life of Jesus, let’s try to be that gate for one another – opening the way to new life. And may all the gates we see around remind us of that important responsibility of our faith.