THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP

REFLECTION FOR FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C

THEME: THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP

R1 Acts 13:14. 43-52

R2 Rev 7:9.14-17

Gospel Jn 10:27-30

Dear friends, this Sunday is called “The Good Shepherd Sunday”, because the gospel of the fourth Sunday of Easter is usually about Jesus, the good Shepherd, as recorded in the  gospel of John. The qualification of the shepherd as “good” means, there are other shepherds that may not be good. A shepherd may either be good or bad depending on his attitude towards the sheep. A good shepherd defends and lay down his life for his sheep while the bad shepherd flies in the face of danger (John 10:11-12). A sheep can also be good or bad depending on the attitude it displays towards the shepherd.  Therefore, we have the following lessons to learn today.

1. What makes us His sheep:

 Going through the gospel reading of today, we find out that what qualifies a sheep is the ability to listen and dictate the voice of its owner; “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice...” (Jn 10:27).

Dear friends, let us know that a lot people may pretend to be shepherds. These people make different promises that may look pleasant. Most times, the aim of their promises is for selfish interests and deception. A situation like this makes the identification of the voice of the good shepherd challenging. This means that one must employ mastery to be able to identify the voice of the good shepherd in the midst of other voices. To be able to know and follow the voice of the good shepherd, one must listen to that voice as often as possible so that one can dictate when a voice that is not his calls. Therefore, let us be ready to listen to the voice of God again and again through the Bible, teachings of the Church, homilies and reflection. This will strengthen and make us masters in identifying and following the good shepherd when he calls. Being able to follow the good shepherd makes us good sheep while refusing to listen to his voice makes us bad sheep.

*2. The Challenge we may face:* 

Practically, it is not always easy to follow one’s example or imitate another without any addition. In the same way, it is not easy to follow the shepherd without a sheep wanting to go astray or move outside the shepherd’s instruction and the desire to enjoy some freedom. This desire to go away confronts everyone at some point. This represents those moments we feel uncomfortable with the truth of the gospel and the preaching of the priest, especially, when this truth confronts our weak points. 

In the first reading of today, the gospel preached by Paul and Barnabas confronted the Jews and their weak points. Some of them became very angry and jealous of these messengers of God.  They blocked their minds against listening to the message of life. This made Paul and Barnabas to turn to the pagans who welcomed this gospel with their hearts.

Dear friends, it is important we become ready to make the change we should and as soon as we can. Refusing to accept the reality of the gospel will make us lose the grace of the kingdom as Paul and Barnabas turned away from the Jews. To relax in the comfort of one’s habit is dangerous. To attack the massager because he said the truth would not change the truth. The road to heaven is never an easy one, however, to be sure of eternal life, we must follow Christ and his teachings otherwise we miss the way.

*3. The Great Reward:*

 The second reading of today presents us with the imagery of the great crowd who have passed through the different trials of life and now are in the presence of God. This is the result we shall get.

The road to success is never an easy one. There is no shortcut to greatness. The second reading, presenting the reward the sheep gets, underlines that these people passed through the great persecution and through this way have had their clothes washed (Rev. 7:14). Hence, the trials we get while following are like purifying agents that prepare us for the great reward. When this reward is gotten, all sorrow will be wiped away. The only condition for us to get this reward is to listen and follow the voice of the good shepherd while enduring and overcoming all trials. 

*Rev Fr. Chukwuemeka Vin. Livinus, SMMM.*