Through the Open Gate of Love - Fourth Sunday of Easter - May 7

This sermon, based on John 10:1-10, considers access or gateways to God.  Two conflicting images are presented – the way of the Pharisees and the way of Jesus.  Pharisees rigidly define and defend the gate and access points to God according to a narrow interpretation of the Law.  Only those who are pure are worthy to enter the holy places.  In contrast, Jesus redefines the Law in terms of Agape (Divine Love).  Love becomes the guiding principle that leads in an open and graceful way to abundant life with God and neighbor.   Images from Chaco National Cultural Park in New Mexico are used in this sermon.