In the Gospel of John, Jesus reveals his identity through a number of "I am" statements. Today we hear one such statement; Jesus says, "I am the gate."

It is through Jesus, and relationship with him, that we are brought to the fullness of life. We are invited to know him personally and to become familiar with his voice in our lives. There are many voices in the world that call out to us - at work, school and in society. Not all of these voices are from God. Some of them lead us to what is empty or unhealthy. Jesus desires us to recognize and focus on his voice. It is through the gate that the sheep come home to the safety of the enclosure. It is through Jesus that we come home to eternal life.

Yet, the image of the gate can seem limiting. Does God want only a few people to enter into eternal life? Today Peter discovers the wideness of God's vision. As Peter tells a group of Gentiles about Jesus, the Holy Spirit descends upon them. When they believe in Jesus, God gifts them with the same Spirit that God gave to Peter and the other disciples. God desires that all people be saved. All people can come to God through Jesus.