SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2024
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B
THE GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
Acts 4:8-12
1 John 3:1-2
John 10:11-18
THE GOOD SHEPHERD LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS SHEEP
Traditionally, the fourth Sunday of Easter is known as the good Shepherd Sunday. The Church wants us to reflect deeply on the primordial title of Jesus as the good shepherd. The one who loves his sheep, protects, watches over, feeds, and shield the sheep from aggressors and leads the sheep to eternal life. All these are done at the expense of his life. He lays down his life for the sake of his sheep. He prefers to die than his sheep die or be scattered.
The gospel reading of today taking always from the gospel of John, chapter ten details the character of the good shepherd. What makes the shepherd good is nothing more but the fact of giving up his life to protect his sheep. His goodness steams from his preemptive instinct in caring and furthering the life of his sheep with his life.
And the good shepherd is compared to the attitude of one being hired. A hired shepherd only thinks of his gains and himself and abandons the sheep when in danger. Care of the sheep is not important and he cannot lay down his life for the sheep.
Again, the good shepherd knows his sheep. He senses their mood, he understands the sheep when they are hungry, sick or healthy. He know where to take them for food, and drink. The good shepherd understand his sheep individually and attend to them.
The speech of Peter in the first reading describes in details how the good shepherd, Jesus Christ himself has shown such care, and love for his sheep in concrete situation. Peter describes that it was the sufferings, death and agony of the cross that gives us sure assurance that Jesus is the good shepherd. By dying he destroyed our death and by rising he restored our life. This is the good shepherd. And by this Peter makes a bold and true assertion that only the name of Jesus can any one be saved.
It is because, as John in the second reading says, he loves his sheep so much and this love is shown in all aspects of his life. And this same love is what he has given to us as his adopted children to emulate. Love is Christ’ legacy. It is his identity and by it can his disciples be known. Love conquers all things.
And the love Jesus gives and demonstrates to us is the sacrificial love. Love that gives up his life for the good of others, love that cares for others, and love that wins life at the expense of ones comfort, and ones life. A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
Today, we pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. That God will put into the hearts of young men and women the urge to serve him in total sacrifice and devotion to God. Men and women who will give up all things in life and even their lives for the spread of the gospel.
As well, we pray for priests, religious and seminarians who have answered the call, that their life be testimony of Jesus’ love and affection. That they may be men and women of love who have truly given up all things to serve Christ and humanity. That many who have derailed in their vocations may be transformed and called back, to understand and live the ideal life Christ has called them. That scandals may be eliminated among priests and religious. And that the battle of life be won by them in their struggles in the vocation and service to humanity.
Heavenly Father, bless your priests and all those called to the service of your name as ministers. Give them the right spirit of love, care and compassion for their flock. May their lives be one of true sacrifice according to your will. May they serve others veritably and bring honour to your name. Help them to conquer all forms of temptation. May Christ the good shepherd watch over us and may we be submissive to him, our Chief shepherd, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with God the Father in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen
Fr Norbert Uchuno
