Gate-Keepers

                                                      (Morocco Reflection 2.)

Morocco is ruled by King Mohammed VI.  Besides being very powerful, our guide pointed out that the king has more than 30 palaces.  We saw palaces in every city we visited.  But we only saw walls surrounding them and their main entrance gates.  At each gate there were military officers and other officials, who monitored those who wanted to enter.      

Seeing those gate-keepers reminded me of Pam Cremer and Mary Ann Huser who served as ‘gate-keepers’ for me when I was Pastor of St. Richard Parish.  They did a great job of fending off salesmen on the one hand, and making sure that I talked to or got messages from parishioners on the other hand. Thanks Pam and Mary Ann!

Is there someone in your life who is like a gate-keeper?  Someone who speaks for you when you need to rest or when you’re just not up to dealing with someone or some issue? 

In John’s Gospel we are reminded that Jesus is not only our good Shepherd, but He’s also the gate and the gate-keeper. (John 10:7-9)  We enter the heavenly sheepfold by going thru Him. The good news is that He’s a compassionate gate-keeper and a merciful judge. 

What do you think Jesus will say to you when it’s your turn to enter that gate?    

                                              The Man Who Wore Yellow Slippers

                                                          (Morocco Reflection 1.)

I visited Morocco for 12 days, returning this past Saturday night.  I’d like to write some blogs that relate to a few experiences there.

Our tour guide led us thru a number of “Kasbahs” in different cities.  Kasbahs are fortified neighborhoods or towns where tribal families live. Some Kasbahs date back to the 1200’s.  Their passageways are narrow and it is easy to get lost.

  

One day our guide led us thru a Kasbah in Marrakech.  Some members of our group noticed that there was a man in yellow slippers following us.  They were uneasy about this strange guy and mentioned it to our guide, who smiled when he heard their concern. 

It turns out that the man in yellow slippers was hired by our guide to follow our group. His job was to make sure that no one got lost in the maze of so many passageways. 

The yellow-slippered guy had a God-like job…making sure no one was lost.

Name a few times that you were lost…in different ways.  Name someone who helps you find your way or watches out for you.  My friends Carlos, Javier and Antony watch out for me.  I’m so grateful for their friendship.  And then, of course, there’s Jesus too. 

Make it a point today to thank someone who helps you navigate the maze of your life.