Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

April 22, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042224.cfm

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Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate
but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice,
as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own,
he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him,
because they recognize his voice.

John 10:1-4

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The “gate” is the place where life flows in and out of our spirits. “Thieves and robbers” – all that is unloving – tries to break in to that sacred place. But it is only when we hear the voice of Love and Truth that we should allow our hearts to follow.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:

Let’s examine our heart’s gate – that place where we discern the spirit motivating our lives. To guard our hearts for grace, that “gate” must be secured and oiled with prayer and a Gospel-catechized life.

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Poetry: from Rumi

Before you speak, 
let your words pass 
through three gates
At the first gate, 
ask yourself, 
“Is it true?”
At the second gate ask, 
“Is it necessary?”
At the third gate ask,
“Is it kind?”

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Music: Passage – Mike Wall