S2-Day30: God at the Gate

Recently, I went to one of the prestigious institutions in metropolitan city where I studied. Though I had an authorized letter in my hand and being an alumnus of the institution. It was my prerogative to enter. However, I was instructed and ordered only to stand at the Gate and even not to touch the Gate. Consequently, I was denied entering inside through the Gate in the name of Covid-19. 

After restless travelling for nearly 1000kms I reached the institution. The way I was treated gave me a huge shock. I could not comprehend what was going on. The same Gate was opened for others who came, but I was denied even to step in through the gate to take my luggage. After a while, a group of people brought my things and dumped it at the Gate. To my misfortune, it began to rain heavily. 

There was no space for me to run to immediately to not get wet. I struggled wandering here and there, unsuccessfully, to get some assistance with my luggage and to help me go under a shade. I found no help at this time. A helpless moment indeed. All my belongings were soaking-wet, and I stood drenched in the rain. Some of my things were even found floating in the drain water, and some were mixed with mud and dirt. I carried what I could collect with tears in my eyes. The Gate was a witness to my agony, while it stood as a hurdle or a bridge between “human being and being human.” I was humiliated and treated like inhumanely. The rains hid my tears. This utter humiliation provoked me to think over the present situation, how people (ab)use the Gate to protect themselves while othering fellow (human) beings. 

Covid-19 gives us space for self-introspection. Amidst this crisis, the Gate was one of the major elements, which protects everybody from the “Virus.” On the other hand, The Gate became a weapon of exploitation, synonymous to caste, culture, race, religion, gender, denominations, social status and other parameters of discrimination. 

As we investigate some of the Biblical texts, the word Gate has been used as a metaphor and to draw a clear line between “in and out” siders. The Biblical understanding of Gate gives us the clear picture of the gospel, and a hope in salvation. In fact, Jesus has crossed the barriers and to build bridges, to bring inside those who were under privileged, and marginalised at the Gate. His healing narratives never ordered and imposed rules. Jesus is seen reaching out to people who could not reach him. Revelation 3:20 says Jesus is standing at the door/gate, and whoever hear his voice, he dwells with him/her to see the human tendencies. 

Today we are amidst this pandemic. Even our mobile caller tunes say, “We have to fight with the disease not the patient”. On the contrary we discriminate people / creation in the name of this virus to protect our own comfort zones. We must put our faith and spirituality into action. It is time to move away from what we have been to show compassion and giving life to the people who are at the Gate. 

Have we remained inside closed doors/gates to protect our self-egos and have deterred from the God’s expectation of doing justice, walking humbly as Micah 6:8 says? Can we take a moment to look outside the Gate, to see the many who are fighting hunger, homelessness and death, due to lack of essentials? What if Christ was dying out there? 

Prayer: 

God of Prohibited, we pray for the people those who are rejected by the creating our comfort zones, help us to realise, and lay your hand of compassion to host our fellow beings, and strengthen us with your grace and mercy until we go through the Gate. We ask In Jesus’s name, who broke the gates to the compassion to the neglected. Amen 

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Author: Vadiga Bhupathi 

About the author: Bhupathi Vadiga hails from Khammam, Telangana. Currently serves as an assistant pastor at Christian Witness Church, Gudimalla, Telangana. He completed his Bachelor of Divinity from the United Theological College, Bangalore. His study is a testimony of the struggles he went through, especially when he lost his parents. He is a talented musician, composer, writer (Telegu), photographer, artist and a Dalit thinker.