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). Make Jesus the only Gate into your life.
Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to expel from my life anything that has not entered through Jesus, the Gate.
Promise: "God has granted life-giving repentance even to the Gentiles." —Acts 11:18
Praise: Anselm wrote one of the most famous treatises on the Incarnation ever written, Cur Deus Homo. He wrote it while in the midst of intense persecution from the King of England.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 9, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 15, 1996