Readings: Acts 13:14,43-52, Ps. 100:1-3,5, Rev. 7:9,14-17, John 10:27-30
“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)
Last Sunday, we heard Jesus saying to Peter: “Feed My Sheep, Tend My Sheep, Feed My lambs.” Jesus forgave Peter for his threefold denial and restored him as the Shepherd (Leader) of the Church. Jesus clarified to Peter that his primary duty is to feed His sheep. The one word which summarises our Liturgy today is “Call”. As Jesus called Peter and the disciples to be shepherds, Jesus calls his sheep who hear his voice and follow Him. There are many lessons for us today:
1. Not Everyone is a Sheep of Christ
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus did not say, “All those who come to gather around me are my sheep.” Instead, He says: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” These three qualities distinguish the sheep of Christ: First, the sheep must hear the voice of Christ. How often do you read the Bible and meditate on it? Secondly, when Christ says “I know them,” no one can pretend to be his sheep; you are either with Christ or with another shepherd. Thirdly, Jesus says, “They follow me,” which means they behave like me. The sheep of Christ are Christ in the world.
2. As Sheep of Christ, We Cannot Escape Hardship
The call to live as children of God is not an easy one. It is a call for the bold and courageous. The book of Sirach teaches: “My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.” (Sirach 2:1-2). Meanwhile, Jesus warns: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What will profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” (Matthew 16:24-26).
The story of Paul and Barnabas in our first reading today teaches us that this call is loaded with challenges, tough times, and persecution. And more painfully, much of this persecution comes from people who are supposed to be close to God. The Jewish religious leaders, upon seeing the multitudes of those becoming Christians, were filled with jealousy, and they went as far as inciting devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city against Paul and Barnabas. Ultimately, they were driven out of the town, but this did not dampen their spirits.
3. As a Sheep of Christ, Ensure Your Robes are Washed Clean
In our second reading, St. John sees a vision of heaven, and behold, it was a great multitude of persons from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues. This means that the only language we shall speak in heaven is the language of love. St. John reveals: “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation…” That is to say, those who did not give up despite the persecution and trials they faced. Jesus says in today’s Gospel passage, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28). Furthermore, St. John says: “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb”, that is, those who have not given themselves over to a sinful life.
4. As Sheep, let us pray for our Shepherds
If there is anything we owe our shepherds, it is prayer. This is because, despite humans like us, they are entrusted with the task only angels can do. When the priest is doing very well, he is hardly appreciated, but when his weaknesses become apparent, he becomes the talk of the town. Before I entered the seminary, I thought priests were immune to temptation, that having gone to the seminary, they became semi-deities, but I later realised these were childhood fantasies. Although the priesthood has several ways to attain all virtues, it takes the grace of God for a priest to be a good shepherd.
As we pray for our shepherds, let us pray that God may send more labourers into the harvest. In other words, let us endeavour to actively support and encourage more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. If your child tells you that he or she wants to become a priest or sister, please do not discourage him or her. It may sound like a joke, but if God has put such a desire in their hearts, God will hold you responsible for not allowing them to answer this call.
The existence of bad shepherds should never be an excuse for discouraging the little ones. Rather than say, “God forbid” when your child sincerely desires to become a priest (or religious), join in the training of that child. Very often, the shepherd only mirrors the society and, more specifically, his family. On the other hand, the call to the priesthood or religious life is a call to poverty, but this should not discourage the little ones from responding to it. Trust that whatever they would have done for you, God will provide it in another way.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to hear your voice and follow you diligently. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (4th Sunday of Easter Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 13:14,43-52, Ps. 100:1-3,5, Rev. 7:9,14-17, John 10:27-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu