YOUR GATE STANDS OPEN

Glencairn Abbey

Gates fascinate me. There is something in them like a calling. A thrill runs through my whole being in attentive moments when I'm alert and pass by a gate. It reminds me of the Song of Songs when the Beloved comes to the garden gate - "...my heart was thrilled within me." (Songs 5:4)

It's as if every ordinary gate is a prophecy of THE Gate that I must pass through.

This morning as I was walking towards the sea I felt the sensation, the thrill as I passed by a particular gate and I found myself asking God for THE Gate, to bring me to it. I don't know what THE Gate is or what it really means in concrete reality. I could guess but I don't know how or when it will reveal itself.

Anyway when I got back in home I picked up the Magnificat for morning prayer and was surprised, astonished to read all of the following which I find very consoling:

Today your gate stands open,

And all who enter in

Shall find a Father's welcome

And pardon for their sin.

The past shall be forgotten,

A present joy be given,

A future home be promised,

A glorious crown in heav'n.

O all-embracing Mercy,

O ever-open Door,

What would I do without you

Who lead the way before?

When joy seems all too distant,

And all too near, despair,

I know one gate is open,

One ear will hear my pray'r.

I am the gate. Anyone who enters through me will be safe, and will come in and go out freely and be sure of finding pasture. (John 10:9)

The gate to the sheepfold is narrow and cut in the shape of a crosss. Yet Christ leads the flock safely through to the place of pasture he has prepared for us. (Magnificat)

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. 14 For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

I have opened in front of you a door that nobody will be able to close (Rev 3:8)

O Lord, your Cross is the gate to the heavenly city. Give us  the courage to follow you throught it today. Open your way before us as we set out on this day's journey and guide us to our journey's end, that, when evening comes we may enter the courts of your presence rejoicing, who live and reigh with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen