Fourth Sunday of Easter

(Good Shepherd Sunday/Vocation Sunday)

Acts 13:14, 43-52; Revelation 7:9, 14b-17; John 10:27-30

 little brother avi bala bitra                                                May 08, 2022

 

Today is the Good Shepherd Sunday and the Vocation Sunday and the word of God presents us with two images, the Children of God and the Good Shepherd.  In today’s gospel passage Jesus emphasizes the sacrifice of his own self and his life itself indicating that he is the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. 

The scriptures tell us of the extraordinary love of God for us has taken in Jesus in the form of a good shepherd.  The image of the Good Shepherd was perhaps the favourite early Christian image of our Saviour and has a long tradition in the history of God’s people. It is one that would be immediately understood by the people of the time. 

We have the popular pictures of Jesus the Good Shepherd carrying a sheep over his shoulders, or we have a smiling Jesus sitting under a tree, with a little lamb on his lap. This image of the shepherd appeals to us because it shows the tenderness of Jesus and his compassion. 

A shepherd in general did not walk behind the flock beating them with a stick to keep them moving. He walked in front of them, seeking out a safe path to food and water and shelter and the sheep gently followed him, because they recognized his voice, and they trusted him. Jesus tells us that is the kind of Good Shepherd he is. He leads, and we follow.

When we see this image our minds naturally begin to wander and we realize its personal meaning for us. We are that lamb or sheep who is being carried by Jesus on his shoulders. Such an image is reassuring for us as Jesus is always our support on our journey through life. 

The First Reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, tells us how some of the people from the house of Israel were rejecting the grace of God and the mission to the gentiles begins. Quoting Prophet Isaiah, Paul speaks of the universal mission to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.  When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the Word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. 

Paul and Barnabas were not crushed by this experience of rejection but rejoiced with joy and the Holy Spirit. They continued with their mission and at Antioch, many accepted their message. 

The Second Reading, from the Book of Revelation, tells us of another vision of John in which he sees a countless number of saints who have earned heaven through martyrdom and are now serving God’s throne adoring him and rejoicing. They will not suffer and grieve again as they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

The vision of John tells us that no matter how much suffering it may refer to, it is important for us to understand that it ends with divine hope and promise. These persons have won the victory over their enemies. The Lamb shall be their Shepherd and he will guide them to the springs of the water of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

The Gospel passage today is extremely short, but has a great density of meaning. The context of the present passage is a controversy raised by the Jews over the real identity of Jesus.  The words are powerful, strong, and very rich in doctrine and in the pastoral application.

But one can also read the words in the light of the Resurrection of the Lord, and in the fire of the Spirit of Pentecost. Jesus, the Living, the Resurrected, is eternal Life and he gives this life to his sheep: “I give them eternal life.” Jesus is eternal life, for he is God; and he gives eternal life, for, while he remains God, he is also, at the same time, Man: Jesus is the sole mediator between God and men.

But, in his role as mediator, Jesus wanted to have partners. These partners are not his equals, for they are not God and Man as he is. But they are his servants: each one of them places his entire person at the service of Christ, and devotes himself, body and soul, to the Lord.

“The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (Jn. 14:26)

Jesus uses the image of the Shepherd and the sheep. The relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is so intimate that it is an extension of the relationship between the Heavenly Father and the Son.   We heard the words of Jesus: “My sheep hear my voice and follow me.” The sheep listen to and recognise the voice of their shepherd and that is why they continue to follow him rather than another.

It is important for us also to recognise the voice of Jesus as it comes to us in our daily life. Jesus had said, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Since Jesus is the Good Shepherd and not a hired hand, he does not run away when the wolf comes, instead, he is ready to give his life for his sheep. On the other hand, the hired person runs away when the wolf comes, leaving the sheep in danger. Jesus the Good Shepherd shepherded to the point of giving his life for his sheep, dying on the cross for the sake of humanity.

Jesus as a shepherd shows a deep sense of commitment and responsibility towards his own. We have a God who is ready to die for others and Jesus emphasizes that, in giving his life for his sheep, he is doing so of his own will.

Jesus is the good shepherd caring for his sheep. We see here: Work of the Shepherd – to rescue them, to lead them home, to feed them, to search out the lost ones and the least ones, to guide them, defend and protect them, treat with affection. The knowledge of the Shepherd – he knows them, loves them, he knows each by name personally. When he calls the sheep by name and they come. He is the door for them. `They are mine` he says as they personally belong to him.  He is a person who is never tired but is ready to work at all times.

God our Father is the true Good Shepherd. He is present everywhere watching over all creatures! His care is for everyone and his Love has no limit.  He watches over each of his children with equal care! All that he desires is that we go to him, in Christ, in order that we too might be one with him.

- @Avinash Bitra OFM Cap.