“Pearly Gates”

Revelation 21: 21: “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl.” What’s the significance of the gates being pearls? Of all the gemstones, only the pearl is made as a result of suffering. A grain works its way between an oyster and its shell. In an attempt to relieve the resultant irritation, the oyster secrets a fluid, which hardens into a pearl. It is a reminder of St. Paul’s words in Acts 14: 22, ”Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.” How many tribulations? Well, the pearls are as big as gates. Datsa lotta tribulations!