Under the great beeches, it was warm. Gabriel gazed down at the small stream pottering through the woods. He longed to paddle in its cool waters.

He knew now why the gate was so far away.

He looked at the book he carried in his rucksack.

The works I do in my father’s name are my witness.
But you do not believe.
Because you are no sheep of mine.
(John 10:22-30)

So that was the problem. He could not yet enter the sheepfold promised on Sunday because he lacked faith.

But how could he acquire it?

Did it come with reading? He read.
Did it come with walking? He walked.
Did it come with praying? He tried to pray.
And he walked forward.