Fourth Sunday of Easter: C: May 11, 2025

           JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Introduction: Today we celebrate the Good Shepherd Sunday. I am sure many of you have seen pictures of the Good Shepherd in some Churches or in some homes: Jesus carrying a little lamb on His shoulders. It gives a great message of God's love and protection given to everyone of us through His Son Jesus. It is an iconic picture which conveys the caring love of God. This Sunday we shall remember and pray for all those who care for others: The care givers; teachers, nurses, doctors and all those people working in the hospitality sector. Today let us encourage and pray for all such persons who imitate Jesus the Good Shepherd. 

First Reading: Acts 13: 14 and 43 to 52

Second Reading: Apocalypse 7: 9 and 14 to 17

Gospel Reading: John 10: 27 to 30

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Missionary journeys of Sts. Paul and Barnabas are narrated. Paul and Barnabas go to Antioch and preach the Gospel in a synagogue there. Initially, the people of the town are receptive to the Word and they respond with lot of enthusiasm. Later, some Jews conspire against them and the people become hostile to them. Due to the opposition they met with, Paul and Barnabas go to the Gentile community (non-Jews) in the town and preach the Word of God in their midst. Many of the Gentiles become believers in the Lord Jesus and His message. But some of the Jews incite the people against Paul and Barnabas and eventually they are driven out of the city. Hence, the early Church faces many rejections and persecutions due to Jesus and His message.

   *Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. A heavenly vision of St. John is narrated. A great multitude of people from all nations and races who underwent persecutions and sufferings for the sake of Lord Jesus are rewarded and they are received in glory to experience the presence of  God Almighty. They owe their victory to the care and protection of Christ their Good Shepherd.

My sheep hear my voice                                                                Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Various qualities of Jesus the Good Shepherd are mentioned. Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice." To be sheep of Christ's flock would mean that we are always ready to listen to the Good Shepherd. There are three important ways by which Jesus the Good Shepherd speaks to us: 1. Through the Holy Bible. It is the word of God. Everyone who wants to follow Jesus should listen to the Word of God and put it into practice in daily life. 2. Through our conscience. Our conscience constantly reminds us to walk in the right ways. 3. Through the teachings of the Church. It is through the teachings of the Church that we constantly grow in faith. Jesus says: "I know them." To know the sheep means to recognize each one of them and to take care of them in challenging situations in the world. Jesus knows each of His sheep personally. In the book of Isaiah it is written, "I knew you before you were born, I knew you from your mother's womb." Hence, Jesus the Good Shepherd protects the sheep and takes care of them always. The sheep follow the Good Shepherd. The sheep do not follow a stranger but always the one who takes care of them. Hence, we are expected to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd in all circumstances of life. Jesus invites all of us to be Good Shepherds to those who are marginalized and helpless. If Jesus is truly the Good Shepherd for us, if we experience His love and care, surely we will be happy to radiate some of this love to others. Wherever we are, if we truly follow the Good Shepherd, we will find an outlet for our love for fellow humans. In this context William Blake says: "For he hears the lambs' innocent call,/ And hears the ewes' tender reply,/ He is watchful while they are in peace,/ For they know when their Shepherd is nigh." Ken Blanchard says: "Too many leaders act as if the sheep (their people) are there for the benefit of the Shepherd, not that the Shepherd has responsibility for the sheep." May the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bless you and protect you from every evil and lead you always to green pastures where there is peace and joy. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph May 11, 2025. Thanks.)