Open gates

This gate is the Lord’s; the just shall enter it. (Psalm 118:20) 

You join the parade as it passes through the city, gathering scope and momentum with every person who joins in. Joyful music rings out as you surge toward the Temple. Then suddenly, the noise of prayer, song, and conversation ceases: you have come to a halt at a massive gate, the door to the Temple courts. From the head of the procession, a voice cries out, “Open the gates!” You smile in recognition—it’s the king’s voice! A reply comes from the wall, “This is the gate of the Lord, through which the just may enter.”

What does it mean to be among that seemingly elite group, “the just,” who are permitted to step through the gate? Do you have to be flawless? Do you have to be a recognized saint like Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul II? Maybe as you stand in that crowd, fear rises in your heart. If that gate is only for the righteous, do I really deserve to step through it? Let’s try to answer that question.

The first thing is to remember that Jesus is not just the king who commands the gate to be opened; he is also the gate itself. “I am the gate,” he once told his followers. “Whoever enters through me will be saved” (John 10:9). On the other side of that gate are the courts of heaven, eternal life in the presence of God.

Second, remember that the gate has already been opened. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has removed all the barriers that have kept you from entering heaven. You can live on the other side of that gate as he showers you with gifts like prayer, the Eucharist, and his word.

Third, remember that no sin is so great, no sense of guilt so heavy, to keep you from entering through the gate. There is no unpardonable sin. We have all been made righteous through Jesus’ sacrifice!

So go back, and picture yourself at the threshold of the Temple. Go ahead, and walk in confidently and joyfully. Jesus is waiting to welcome you with open arms. 

“All praise to you, King Jesus! Thank you for opening the gate to salvation.”

from wau.org