Awake at the Gate

24/4/2026

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, April 26th, 2026:
Fourth Sunday of Easter

John
10.1-10

Jesus said: “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. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

We are hearing this Gospel on the fourth Sunday of Easter, but as I write, we have just completed Lent and experienced the journey of the Triduum. Being given the chance to reflect on this Gospel reading is yet another solid example of how well He knows just what I need and when I need it. The last reflection that I shared was on Psalm 23, which we also hear again this week, and it reminded me that the Lord is my Shepherd. And today, He reminds me that not only is He my Shepherd, but it is also only through Him that I am saved.

I love the Triduum, once I get there. In the hours leading up to each part of the three-day Mass, I find myself debating about whether I will attend. After all, each part is long and I’m busy. I have dinners to make, egg hunts to organize for grandchildren, and, really, who would miss me if I’m not there? And let’s talk about the vigil on Saturday night – three or four hours followed by an early rising for 8:30 a.m. Mass the next morning.

It would be so easy to give in to those distractions and just stay home. I am so grateful that despite the temptation, I find myself in the pew every Triduum, once again being reminded of the total sacrifice that the one true Shepherd made for me.

We are surrounded by chaos in the world right now. So many competing voices; nations and people fighting; economic woes; turbulence… it is almost impossible to escape it. And yet, thousands are returning to the Catholic faith through the gate this Gospel describes. They recognize His voice and, rising above the confusion, are finding their way back to Him. Our eldest son is one of those who is returning. As I sat beside him and his young family Easter Sunday morning, I watched in gratitude as he celebrated the Mass – eyes closed at times and mouthing silent prayer. Something is stirring deeply in him, and I know the Lord is leading him. He is turning away from those thieves that come in the night and embracing abundant life.

In the midst of the chaos, we have been shown the holder of the key to the gate that leads to lush pastures, peace, and true love. So I will continue to stay awake, grateful to be part of an ever-growing flock that knows and follows His voice.