I am the gate of the sheepfold

I am the gate of the sheepfold

1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.
2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers."
6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (NRSV)

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

I am the Good Shepherd, the one who cares for the sheep. They get lost, hungry, and sick, and finally perish unless I come to the rescue. I open the gate for them, so that they can come in and find good pasture. I lead them through the meadows of life so that they may be happy and enjoy what I have to offer.

I am the gate of the sheepfold; there is no other way for them to go in. I am always open to welcome back my sheep, to care for them, and to protect them in the enclosure of my stronghold.

When they leave the sheepfold and go astray they are putting themselves at high risk, because the wolf is always ready to destroy them.

I am the One who gives life. I came to give life abundantly, not just the life that you live now but eternal life that comes from me.

I am the Lord, your protector: I protect what is mine. When you come to me and give yourself to me you become mine. In my joy I protect you and take care of you.

Come by my side and stay with me. I will share my Holy Spirit with you so that you may live for the spiritual life I offer. I will shine my light before you and lead you through the darkness of life, so that you may always feel secure.

Goats are proud but sheep are humble, they are both images of man. I delight in the humble of heart but resist the proud.

Be humble and accept my call, bend your will to my teachings, listen to my voice and open your heart to let my words burn within you. I want you.

Come, follow me.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary