Reflection/Homily: Fourth (4th) Sunday of
Easter Year B (April 26 2015)
Theme: “I am the Good Shepherd”
Today is a special
Sunday in Eastertide traditionally called “the Good Shepherd Sunday”. In
today’s liturgy, we reflect on and learn from Christ who is the Good Shepherd. In
the Old Testament, we discover that most often God chose His instruments among
shepherds. This was perhaps because of the special qualities they possessed. In
the New Testament, Jesus amidst other professions, decided to identify himself
as a shepherd. A shepherd is humble, kind and dedicated to the duty of taking
care of his flock. He knows his sheep and they know him because they listen to
his voice. He is ready to lay down his life for his sheep. He is a good leader
who is patient and kind. In the gospel reading (John 10:11-18), Jesus describes
himself with these qualities not just as a shepherd but as the Good Shepherd; a
model for all shepherds. Therefore today, we shall reflect on Christ as the
Good Shepherd, the shepherding ministry of the Church and the unity of
Christians.
Christ
the Good Shepherd: Christ is the Good Shepherd that
laid down his life for us his flock. His life was not lost at death but was
used to transform our spiritual death into life and today through him we
receive every spiritual and physical blessing. That is why in the first reading
(Acts 4:8-12), we see Peter explaining to the Jews how Jesus gave up his life
for his flock, died and was raised up and in his name, many miracles are done
especially the healing of the crippled man. As our shepherd, Christ still
directs us and takes us to greener pasture. The psalmist in psalm 23 brings to
light, what Jesus does for us as our shepherd and this should provoke a sense
of faith in Jesus who knows our needs and is ever ready to satisfy them.
Therefore, no matter the situation you are passing through, do not lose hope,
your shepherd is at the corner. He will surely see your through.
The
Shepherding Ministry of the Church: Christ did not end
as the Good Shepherd, rather he handed over his ministry of shepherding to his
Church with St. Peter as the first chief shepherd. As Christians and Catholics
in particular, we are expected to respect Christ in the constituted authorities
of the Church. Christ is still present shepherding us in and through their ministry.
For this reason, we also regard today as Vocation Sunday. It is our
responsibility to pray for and support good vocations to the hierarchy of the
Church. We should respect them and never fight to pull them down. We should
also understand them as humans. The hierarchy (Deacons, Priests and Bishops)
should also remember that the ministry is not their own but the Lord’s and that
they are privileged for the sake of the gospel. They should therefore live out
the gospel and practice the virtues of Christ as the Good Shepherd. They are
not to be dictators but are to lead the flock to the Chief Shepherd.
The
Unity of Christians: In the gospel reading, Jesus prayed
that there be only one flock and one shepherd. As Christians, we can make this
prayer materialize by fostering the unity of Christians. All of us should be
united under one head and this could be done by having a unity of mind and
purpose. The second reading (1 John 3:1-2) asks us to think of the love God has
lavished on us by letting us be called His children. As children of God, there
should be no dichotomy among us and we ought to live our lives in such a way
that will guarantee us to see God as He really is on the last day and so be
like Him. Therefore beloved brethren, the ball is on our courts. This Sunday
may we ask God for the grace to follow Christ our Shepherd with perseverance
and hope, contribute positively to the pastoral ministry of the Church and
foster Christian unity. As we do this, may the blessings of God never elude us
this new week and forever. Happy Sunday. God loves you.
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