Monday April 22, 2024

“Jesus is your open gate. He will give you new opportunities that you cannot even imagine now.”

Good News Reflection for:

Monday of the 4th Week of Easter
April 22, 2024

Today’s Prayer:

Beloved Lord, preserve me from straying from the path that leads me to You and away from every deceit. Thank You for helping me to live in You. Amen.

Subscribe to Today’s Saint Quote & Prayer:
gnm.org/SaintQuotes/

Today’s Readings:

Acts 11:1-18
Ps 42:2-3; 43:3-4
John 10:1-10
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042224.cfm
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
bible.usccb.org/podcasts/audio/daily-mass-reading-podcast-april-22-2024

The gate that leads to breakthroughs

Are you at an impasse in your spiritual growth or emotional healing or a difficult relationship? Do you need a breakthrough? Do you feel stuck behind a fence that’s keeping you on the outside of peace, joy, satisfaction, or healing?

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus identifies himself as a gate that opens to allow good shepherds (his representatives) to guide and care for the sheep in the pasture (the Church). We are the sheep he protects from wolfish spirits who want to snatch us away from the truth and healing and nourishment that God provides. We will stay in his protection by recognizing the voices of good shepherds who help us receive all that God wants to provide.

Inside the protection of the pasture, we live apart from the realm of sin and earthly restrictions. Inside is where we can “have life and have it more abundantly.”

What breakthrough from earthly limitations and inadequacies are you yearning for? What problems seem hopeless? What prayers are still unanswered? In frustration and fear, we feel like we’re on the outside looking in at the abundances that other sheep have.

What talents would you like to use, but for which there’s been no opportunity? What calling has God given you, in which others have shut the door on you? Jesus is your open gate. He will give you new opportunities that you cannot even imagine now.

When a holy desire seems to have no outlet, instead of complaining or quitting, we must look for the gate that Jesus is opening. The thieves that come to steal and slaughter can only grab us when we take our eyes off of Jesus. And remember, they’re not as powerful as they pretend to be. They do not speak the truth.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, little lamb, and listen…..

Listen … in your heart: Here’s a music meditation that will help you with this: Listen in Your Heart at gnm-media.org/listen-in-your-heart/.

© 2024 by Terry A. Modica

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