Monday April 22, 2024

Jesus is the gate

Good News Reflections:
Making scripture meaningful to your daily life
by Terry Modica

See the Calendar of Reflections (NEW!)


“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.

SaintsSubscribe 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

[ Listen to the podcast of this reflection ]

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


for church bulletin and RCIA To distribute the Good News Reflections in your church bulletin or in RCIA or faith sharing groups, please order a license @ Catholic Digital Resources.


Telegram texting You can also receive this & more faith-builders by text message on your phone.


home page Keep it going! This reflection reached you thanks to benefactors. Please support this ministry today.


post a prayer request Post your prayer request.


home page How else can we serve you today? Visit our homepage.


More Good News Reflections Search more reflections in our continually growing database.


Homebound, Prison & Hospital Ministers are invited to print and distribute them without further permission.


Continue your prayer time with these:
Pray with Saints | Pray the Rosary | Other Prayers | Random Quotes.

 

Order and share Terry Modica's books

Terry's books, 30 Days to the Father's Heart, and My Soul Shall Be Healed

Socialize with us at:
Facebook   Pinterest   Twitter   Instagram

Please share this with others by inviting them to visit this page. You may also print this for your personal use and you may share the print-out with others.

image_print

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments