Christ is Risen! Walking with Jesus on the 4th Sunday of Easter A
Acts 2:14, 36-41; 1 Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10
Today we are celebrating what is commonly referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. The first part of the tenth chapter of John’s Gospel refers to Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23, the Responsorial Psalm, is one of the favorite images of God in the psalms. It is selected by most families at the funeral of a loved one. We know quite a bit about shepherds and sheep from many past sermons. Sheep are very docile; some can be rambunctious and adventurous and the others can follow them. Sheep need both protection and nourishment. At night they are protected by a corral-type enclosure made of branches, with one opening that the shepherd lies across.The sheep will not cross over the shepherd, and preying animals will not venture into the corral. The sheep will gnaw at one patch of grass down to the dirt and then starve instead of looking over the next hill for a fresh pasture. They are totally dependent on the shepherd to lead them to the best grass, fresh water and safety so that they can grow and multiply. In that regard, sheep are much like us in our wandering through life: lost, frequently distracted and dependent on the best friend that we have in Christ. We stumble along and mess things up; God watches over us and guides us. Knowing all this, we ask in this COVID-19 pandemic: Where is God? Why has God allowed this to happen? Isn’t God protecting us? Does God care about us?
Could it be that the Holy Spirit is already teaching and leading us? Could it be that the Holy Spirit, who is constantly gifting each person, is already reminding us of our call to be God’s disciples of love? Do I feel that God has to solve all these problems so I don’t? Where can I see the Holy Spirit today?
Sacred Space 2020 states:
“Jesus uses rich images from daily life to illustrate the depth of His desired relationship with us. He spoke of shepherd and sheep, gatekeeper and gate, pasture and life, recognition and salvation. How do these words relate to my life in this place and time?
“Jesus refers to strangers, thieves and bandits, killing and stealing, running away in fear instead of following, climbing in rather than walking through the open gate. Can I identify the thieves, those intent on destroying me rather than caring for me?”
Today we are celebrating what is commonly referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. The first part of the tenth chapter of John’s Gospel refers to Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23, the Responsorial Psalm, is one of the favorite images of God in the psalms. It is selected by most families at the funeral of a loved one. We know quite a bit about shepherds and sheep from many past sermons. Sheep are very docile; some can be rambunctious and adventurous and the others can follow them. Sheep need both protection and nourishment. At night they are protected by a corral-type enclosure made of branches, with one opening that the shepherd lies across.The sheep will not cross over the shepherd, and preying animals will not venture into the corral. The sheep will gnaw at one patch of grass down to the dirt and then starve instead of looking over the next hill for a fresh pasture. They are totally dependent on the shepherd to lead them to the best grass, fresh water and safety so that they can grow and multiply. In that regard, sheep are much like us in our wandering through life: lost, frequently distracted and dependent on the best friend that we have in Christ. We stumble along and mess things up; God watches over us and guides us. Knowing all this, we ask in this COVID-19 pandemic: Where is God? Why has God allowed this to happen? Isn’t God protecting us? Does God care about us?
Could it be that the Holy Spirit is already teaching and leading us? Could it be that the Holy Spirit, who is constantly gifting each person, is already reminding us of our call to be God’s disciples of love? Do I feel that God has to solve all these problems so I don’t? Where can I see the Holy Spirit today?
- Could it be possible that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of why I enjoy and how I have been a witness to His graces?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of time spent in a restaurant with a dear friend … not rushing ... enjoying each other’s company, wisdom, friendship and gifts shared ... realizing it’s all about love, and how blessed I am?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of special people I hug to express my thanks for their kindness and specialness, which deepens my awareness of others who need love?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the specialness of being able to spend time with my family now and experiencing their gifts amid laughter and fun?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me, in my interactions with others on the phone, internet, FaceTime,etc.; how special I am to God with the gifts I am exchanging?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the beauty and depth of a welcoming Church with greetings and fellowship that I miss so much … watching but not participating?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the Eucharist I miss so deeply, now realizing how in the past I have been too often distracted as to whom I am receiving and what this means?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the natural beauties around me, which I take for granted or am not grateful for God’s signs of love?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the gift of time that I so often have misused and wasted by being too conscious of doing things and disregarding family, friends, coworkers?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the need to be involved in celebrations of people I’m close to ... just to enjoy their life and their importance to me?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of how I am loved in many ways, by so many people, and my lack of thankfulness and responding with love to them?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the very important jobs people do that I might have taken for granted until now: restaurant workers, barbers, stylists, sanitation workers, doctors, dentists, healthcare workers ... the list goes on and on … including the ones who have been furloughed or fired?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the talent and dedication of teachers who take care of my loved ones and, now that I have to be the teacher, I respect them so much more?
- Could it be that the Lord is placing dedication, care, and compassion examples before me in the teachers, counselors, specialists and researchers … and am I praying for them?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the homeless, the shelters, the food pantries, the food banks ... the total needs people have that I haven't paid attention to?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is teaching me to respect all people?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the Good Shepherd who goes in front of the sheep — leading them, whereas with other animals the worker stays behind them? Am I allowing Christ to be my leader, and am I following Him and His way and His plan?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the time I need to spend on me and the Lord to deepen my friendship and love, as does every other person in my home and life?
- Could it be that in this tragedy, the Holy Spirit is reminding me that I have gifts of caring, compassion, forgiveness, mercy and love to give — rather than wandering aimlessly?
- Could it be that the Holy Spirit is reminding me that the antidote to suffering, loneliness, anger and fear is knowing that I’m blessed and loved, and that I'm needed to be a blessing to others?
- Could it be ... could it be.
Sacred Space 2020 states:
“Jesus uses rich images from daily life to illustrate the depth of His desired relationship with us. He spoke of shepherd and sheep, gatekeeper and gate, pasture and life, recognition and salvation. How do these words relate to my life in this place and time?
“Jesus refers to strangers, thieves and bandits, killing and stealing, running away in fear instead of following, climbing in rather than walking through the open gate. Can I identify the thieves, those intent on destroying me rather than caring for me?”
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