“RISEN WITH CHRIST”Easter Reflections
Monday, 8th May 2017.
Fourth Week of Easter
Acts 11:1-18;
Ps 42:2-3,43:3-4 (R. 42:3);
Jn 10:11-18.
FOLLOWING THE GOOD SHEPHERD!
The Gospel passage of the good shepherd gives us four ideas about Jesus. Firstly, Jesus being the incarnate Word of God himself, is not just the shepherd but also the food - the true pasture, that gives life in abundance. He gives life by giving himself, for he his life (Jn 1: 4). Second, the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep (Jn 10: 11). The Cross is at the centre of the shepherd discourse. And it is portrayed not as an act of violence that takes Jesus unawares and attacks him from outside, but as a free gift of his very self: “I lay down my life, that I make take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”
Third, The sheep belong to him in the context of their knowing each other and this knowing is an inner acceptance. It signifies an inner belonging that goes much deeper than possession of things. And finally, God is the shepherd who reunites divided and scattered Israel into a single people since there are no longer two nations (Ez 37: 15-17, 21). This is a fundamental truth that the Jews failed to recognize when they criticized Peter for visiting the house of Cornelius as expressed in the first reading.
We are today invited for a mission that we as shepherds of Christ need to win souls for God and thereby build and reunite the church of God. Are we ready to take up this uphill task or challenge?
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by calling us “sheep,” makes it clear that we are not only weak, we’re helpless. Without Him, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). The Good Shepherd is enough; He will lead them to green pastures (Ps 23:2). The only thing required is for us sheep, is to hear his voice always and follow. We like sheep must flee from the voices of strangers (Satan). Listening to Jesus’ voice is Prayer and Meditation on the Bible. Listening comes from the words of Jesus (Rom 10:17).
Prayer: Lord, help me to know and love Your gentle voice throughout my daily life. May that voice overwhelm all others that compete for my attention. I choose You, dear Lord, as my one Shepherd and guide. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen
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