Jesus is the source and ground of Love: the Good Shepherd whocontinually gives his life.
Jesus is the gateway: We hear the image that Jesus employs from the gospel, that of the entryway into the sheep fold, the last barrier to keep the sheep safe, after all that is the first duty of a shepherd, it would be impossible to do so in the open field and he needs the physical protection afforded by an enclosure with the shepherd literally taking the place for the entry and exit of the sheep. Today as I walked the south Path along the Saw Mill I saw a family of six all on bicycles with masks and helmets, the Father in front and the Mom taking up the rear. I thought of this passage and imagined that Jesus was both leading us and protecting us on all sides. We are invited to recognize all the time that it is Jesus, the Good Shepherd the true pastoral gateway who watches over us and gives his life for us. Wednesday, I took the north path and on the path in chalk was written: Jesus not puppy but- true love and then the citation of John 3:16. The Eucharist that we celebrate together is the special gift that the Lord gives us to be a source of protection, nourishment and life.