Three Colossi

What is at the gates, matters.

The Colossus of Rhodes was an ancient wonder of the world. Standing at the gates of the city-state Rhodes, as a reminder to any invaders: Try what the Macedonians tried, and we will make another colossus out of you. The Colossus of Rhodes was said to have been made out of the metal from the weapons of the Macedonians who, for a year, laid siege upon Rhodes.

A warning to any invaders.

The Colossus of America, the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the USA as a symbol of our shared vision for self-governance. But became a symbol of hope to the world who sought to seek refuge in the hope and promise of “every man being created equal” in order to pursue personal happiness. As Emma Lazarus wrote:

With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

A welcome mat for immigrants.

The Colossus of our faith, Jesus Christ. Our shepherd, who stands at the gates of our sheepfold. A shepherd to protect us, to guide us, even in the dark of night. As Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

A welcome mat for all.

As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger, care for the sick, and feed the hungry. We are called to turn our weapons into ploughshares (or dare I say, art). What we put at our gate matters.