Facing up

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 11, 6 August 1985, Page 16

Facing up

I've noticed several rather quaint gates round Ohakune. There may be others, and you may have observations to add about the ones I mention now. The most impressive is the one inside the Lakes Road cemetery. It is a single-vaned turnstile gate, rotating on a centre-pole. As it opens, it rises a little, so that its own weight makes it a self-shutt-ing gate. I doubt if they "makg 'em like that any more" — but interesting for farmer and physics student alike. (I must take my oil-can with me next time I go up there though). Then there are our own Catholic presbytery and convent front gates — another quite ingenious design — also self-closing, being gravity-controlled and having detached hinges. Thirdly, I notice a simple turnstile-type gate, passing Rangataua on the main road to Waiouru, close to where Marino Street meets the main road on the right, also of unusual design. Gates — I wonder how many IVe opened in visiting people over the years? Gates are ways in to people, yet can also keep us out. A locked gate sometimes seems such a contradiction in terms.

Still, I am thankful for gates that have borne the brunt of the attack of a belligerent dog very conscious of his territorial rights and saved my skin in my escape. If a gate is a device that lets you in to those living within, then it is a fitting symbol for Jesus Christ who said He was the gate to the sheepfold — meaning He was the way in. The fence keeps the wolf out. The gate enables the stray to get inside to safety with his own. The sheep go through Jesus to safety. On another occasion, Jesus said He was the way,

meaning His Gospel, values and way of life made life worthwhile, and very worthwhile. But "Christ did not please himself"(Romans 15,3). His way is not the way of self, but includes the cross, which is perfectly compatible with peace and happiness, but not so compatible with the way of pleasure for self. Take His way. Go through Jesus, live by Him, and be like Him — that's our calling — and once we begin, let us keep firmly to that way, returning to it promptly should we stray briefly through human weakness or curiosity. God bless you.

Fr.

Bernie

Vella