We think that in building a wall or gate around our home or country to lock others out we are protecting ourselves from others, but too often we find that we are locking ourselves into a world of fear and loneliness. The exclusive resort or gated neighborhood become the most dangerous places to live because we are separated from the suffering of others and from the God of compassion. But the promise of Scripture is that the “gates will not prevail” as Jesus tells Peter. We hold the keys to open them up and open our lives and dinner tables to those who are just outside our gates longing for food and love.
