4th Sunday of Easter (C)
4th Sunday of Easter (C)
(Acts. 13:14-52/ Rev. 7:9-17/
Rev. 7:9-17/
Jn. 10:27-30)
Three Sundays ago, the Church invites us to hear and Meditate readings telling us about Jesus who suffered, died but rose from the dead as God.
This Sunday, the church invites us to hear one of the loveliest gospels of the year that in which Christ Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd as he lays down his life for his flocks, all people in the world. He says: “I know my sheep. They listen to my voice and follow me.”
The Good Shepherd not only knows us but has given his life for us. We belong to the Shepherd, Christ Jesus our God and Redeemer. His life is the source of our life.
One part of this relationship is firm, God’s part.
The Father has entrusted us to the Son, and the Son will not let go of our hand.
The other part of this relationship depends on us, of course. In today’s Gospel, Jesus assumes our open hearted good will. “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me.”
This hearing and following is a daily undertaking that implies responsibility.
Take Paul and Barnabas, for example. They moved ever closer to the reality that salvation was also meant for those members of the flock who did not yet know God’s saving power.
The Gentiles were the sheep known by the shepherd.
Paul could finally see that now was the acceptable time for them to know the Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Now the circle could be completed.
Finally, those who were known and loved by the God of Jesus could know and follow the God of Jesus. There will never be a last chapter of this story of salvation.
Remember four weeks we celebrated the Epiphany which means that God manifested himself not only for the Jews but all mankind on earth.
Jesus once said; “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. Theses also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one Shepherd.” (Jn. 10:16)
Sunday Religious Class for Children: 10 a.m.
Sunday Mass: 11 a.m.
Welcome all of you.
St. Michael Catholic Church is located at 1004 W. Gentry in Henryetta.
