Fourth Sunday of Easter: A: April 30, 2023

              JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

First Reading: Acts 2: 14 and 36-41

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2: 20-25

Gospel Reading: John 10:1-10

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A part of the testimony of St. Peter on the day of Pentecost is mentioned. Peter speaks very boldly and courageously about the crucified and the risen Christ who has brought salvation for the humankind. He urges everyone to repent and to be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. After listening to the testimony of St. Peter, a large group of people - about three thousand- received baptism on that day and accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. Peter exhorts all Christians to be ready to suffer patiently for righteousness. He tells us that Jesus our good Shepherd has given us an example by bearing unjust sufferings with patience for the love of us. 

I am the door of the sheepfold                                                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus compares His love for His followers to the love of a shepherd for his flock. He speaks of two types of people who enter the sheepfold. The first type is a person who does not enter through the gate of the sheepfold. He is not a shepherd but a thief who comes to steal and to destroy. The second type is a person who enters through the gate of the sheepfold. He is the shepherd of the sheep. He is the one who knows the sheep by name and takes care of them day and night. He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus further clarifies that He is also the door of the sheepfold. Jesus by being the door of the sheepfold, gives four-fold safety and security for His sheep. 1. Jesus gives safety to His flock by guarding the sheep from harmful influences from outside. 2. Jesus protects the sheep from evil and destructive powers which could harm the flock. 3. Jesus protects the sheep from worries and anxieties so that His flock has peace and harmony. Anyone who enters through the door of the sheepfold will have the safety that only Jesus can give. 4. Jesus is the door of the sheepfold that leads to the salvation and to life eternal. Hence anyone who wants to be saved must pass through the door that is Jesus. All of us are invited to listen to the good Shepherd and follow Him so that we too may be found worthy of the salvation promised by the Lord.

"The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." - John 10:11