Daily Catholic Lectio. Thu, 4 December ’25. Gate of God

Daily Catholic Lectio

Thu, 4 December ‘25

First Week of Advent, Thursday

Isaiah 26:1–6. Psalm 118. Matthew 7:21, 24–27

Gate of God

Every home has a gate. A gate is not just an opening in a wall—it is a threshold of change. Each time we pass through a gate, something in us shifts. We enter a hospital sick and leave restored; we step into a church burdened and walk out renewed. A gate marks transition, safety, and growth.

Scripture today speaks of another gate—the Gate of God. It is not merely the gate we hope to enter after death; it is the gate open before us today. Isaiah calls it “a strong city” whose walls are not stone but trust in the Lord. To enter this city, there is but one gate, and it opens only for those who carry three qualities: faith, integrity, and steadfastness.

Isaiah says, “Open the gates! Let the righteous nation enter, one that keeps faith.” Faith that God protects. Integrity born of a straight, honest life. Steadfastness that refuses idols and false securities. These are the ones who find God’s gate—and walk through it.

Jesus, completing the Sermon on the Mount, shifts the image from a gate to a house. A house can be built on sand or on rock. The difference is not in the design but in the foundation. And the foundation is nothing other than doing the Father’s will.

Those who merely say “Lord, Lord” remain at the threshold. Those who live the Word enter the house of God.

And what is the Father’s will?

• Obeying His commandments—love of God and love of neighbour.
• Living true discipleship—marked by mercy, justice, sacrifice, and humility.
• Embracing the Beatitudes—making Jesus’ values our own.
• Removing hypocrisy—letting fasting, prayer, and almsgiving flow from sincerity.
• Surrendering to God’s plan—as Mary did when she said, “Let it be done to me.”
• Words may touch the gate, but actions open it.

Moving from Word to Life

Every gate we pass through today—home, school, office, church—reminds us of the final gate we long to enter: the dwelling of the Lord (Ps 118). May each crossing teach us to welcome Him and allow Him to welcome us.

As we move through all the gates of life, let our hearts be shaped by faith, integrity, and steadfastness. Then every threshold becomes a doorway to peace.

And when life’s gates seem shut—when opportunities close or paths disappear—let us remember: our God breaks walls to create a way. For those who stand before a closed door, may we become the ones who open a gate.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy