Reflections on the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) ~ by Phyllis Booth

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 4:8-12

Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

1 Jn 3:1-2

Jn 10:11-18

Today's first reading finds Peter explaining why the crippled man is cured.  The crowd still finds it hard to believe that Jesus Christ, the Nazorean, has been raised by God from the dead and by his name the cripple is healed.  Centuries later many people find this revelation hard to believe, though we believe many of today's schemes that will cause us to lose our health, wealth or life.  In today's time, we are fascinated by the Internet and other digital devices and we take chances to get rich, pay less for items, to meet people for friendship, romance or marriage or for a career change without seeing the person/product and still we can't believe in Jesus Christ and his love.

The Gospel of John tells that we are Children of God and God loves us as his own.  The world doesn't believe that we are children of God.  Is it because God is invisible to the human race?  He doesn't talk to us... we can't touch, smell or hear him?

Yet we believe in man's ability to think, create, improve inventions and even explore the universe and we are still searching for the one who can give life, restore life and give peace to the world.  John implies that when it is revealed to us, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

The Gospel Reading reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  A shepherd will lay down his life for his sheep (family and friends).  Jesus accepted the command from his Father to be the Good Shepherd for the world.  Jesus died so the world could be free of sin.  He was a servant shepherd.  He came into this world to be a servant, not a King.  During his ministry he taught the disciples how to serve and not be served.  As baptized Christians we are expected to live our baptism vows to love others as we love ourselves, to be a servant shepherd.

A servant shepherd will follow Jesus' example in the home, community and church/parish.

A servant shepherd lives his moral and Christian beliefs.

A servant shepherd takes an active interest in the welfare of his parish/church family and community.

A servant shepherd accepts cultural differences (diversity) and encourages others to do the same.

A servant shepherd preserves his/her health through healthy nutrition and exercise.

A servant shepherd strives to attain the highest spiritual education of his faith.

A servant shepherd's journey is not easy.  He accepts the toils and crosses of life that lead to everlasting life.with the Father.


 ~ Rescue of the Lost Lamb by Minerva Teichert