Sunday, April 29, 2007

4th Sunday of Easter (Year C)

Acts 13:14, 43-52; Ps 99; Rev 7:9, 14-17; Jn 10:27-30

By virtue of our baptism we become members of the sheepfold of Christ. We are the flock and Jesus is the Shepherd who deeply cares for us.

Jesus says that his sheep hear his voice and follow him. Is this true with us? Are we good listeners and faithful followers of Christ? Listening is important because it is the beginning of understanding. We cannot truly follow Jesus unless we understand him. We listen to Jesus when we decide to find time alone with him in prayer. This also happens when we read his Word and seriously reflect on it.

A sheep is safe with its shepherd, but not when it wonders around or follows a different path. Similarly, we are secure when we observe the commandments of God or follow the ways of the Lord. Once we pay attention to the enticements of the devil, our life is in danger. Adam and Eve listened to the devil and suffered the consequences. If only they had eaten the snake instead of the fruit, they would have enjoyed paradise for eternity. The sad fate of our first parents will also be ours if we refuse to follow the guidance of the Good Shepherd.

The Lord promises that the sheep which listen to his voice and follow him will never perish or be lost. These reassuring words should inspire us to remain with Jesus all the days of our life. We all will die someday. Some of us would perish from old age or incurable disease; others from natural disasters; still some others from violent deaths. But, if we are genuine disciples, our souls will not perish in eternity. The second reading describes the destiny of God’s children: “They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev 7:16-17). Lasting joy and consolation await those who follow the Lord faithfully.

Following the Lord leads to everlasting life, but discipleship is never easy. Discipleship always brings with it trials and persecutions. The first reading narrates how Paul and Barnabas were persecuted and expelled by the Jews for proclaiming the Word of God to the gentiles. Many of us would also experience hardships and strong oppositions in doing our tasks as Christians. Some might even suffer martyrdom for promoting the values of the kingdom. And yet, no matter how great the cost of following Jesus is, we know that we are not left alone to our own resources. The Good Shepherd will always be there to guide, inspire, protect and strengthen us.

A Sunday school teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible: Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick was excited about the task – but, he just couldn’t remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.

On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.”

(The story is from an unknown author)

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