The Battle for Abundance (John 10:1-10)

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” says Jesus. These words invite us to pause and consider what “abundance” truly means. It’s easy to imagine abundance as having more possessions, more success, more control. But when we look at the life and teachings of Jesus, a different picture emerges. Abundance is a way of living and being. In the Gospels, Jesus does not grant wealth or power. Instead, he embodies and teaches love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, healing, and peace. He restores relationships, calls for nonviolence, and lives with integrity and wholeheartedness. This is the essence of abundant life a fullness that cannot be measured or bought. It is like a cup running over, not with excess, but with life itself. This overflowing life is not meant to be contained. It spills into the world—life flowing into life, love into love, joy into joy, hope into hope, courage into courage. It is a way of being that enriches both our lives and the lives of others. It does not add to the pain of the world but instead heals and uplifts. This is the life we see in Jesus, and deep down, it is the life we long for ourselves and for others.

 

Yet this abundance is not without threats. Jesus warns of thieves and bandits who come “only to steal, kill, and destroy.” These are not necessarily people who take material things; rather, they are forces that drain our life and diminish our sense of wholeness. They show up in many forms-busyness, exhaustion, fear of the future, regrets of the past, grief, self-doubt, or the constant pressure to achieve and prove our worth. When we begin to measure our lives by productivity or outcomes, these thieves quietly take hold. Recognizing these thieves and bandits is not about judgment, but about awareness. They reveal what is happening within us and invite us to reclaim our life.

 

At the centre of this teaching is the image of the gate. Jesus says, “I am the gate.”  It keeps what is precious safe while opening to nourishment and life. In the same way, we are called to be gatekeepers of our own hearts-the “sheepfold” where abundance resides. Guarding the heart requires attentiveness. It means staying awake to what is entering and leaving our lives. Not everything that seeks entry should be welcomed, and not everything should be shut out. Discernment becomes essential. Some people, opportunities, and choices nourish and enlarge our lives; others deplete and consume us. Life continually presents us with thresholds-moments of decision, transition, and possibility. At these gates, we are invited to choose wisely. Through this image, we are invited to reflect: Where is life overflowing within me today? Where does it feel diminished or blocked? What are the thieves and bandits teaching me about myself? What gate do I need to open? What gate do I need to close?

 

 - Lilly Pushpam PBVM