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Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
The Good Shepherd
Gospel - John 10;1-10
The Good Shepherd is risen! He who laid down his life for his sheep, who died for his flock, he is risen, alleluia. (Communion Antiphon for the 4th Sunday of Easter)
An image of Jesus that is very familiar to us is that of Jesus holding a lamb in his arms. This portrayal of Jesus depicts him as a shepherd who takes care of his flock, and who will go to any length to find the lost sheep and bring it back to the fold.
The Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally a gospel passage about Jesus the Good Shepherd. This Jesus, who died and rose, gave his life as a lamb is given for slaughter.
Jesus says to us today:
"Whoever does not enter the sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters the gate is the shepherd of the sheep."
Jesus is the shepherd, who suffered death, but rose to new life so that all of us might enter through the gate, through him.
"Whoever enters through me will be saved."
In Baptism we receive the free gift of salvation and new life in Christ. We are called through baptism to live out our faith. The life of a disciple is one of commitment.
"I came so that you might have life and have it more abundantly."
Had God not sent his Son into the world there would be no eternal life in God. Only by the coming of Jesus into the world do we have life more abundantly, and life for eternity.
So what is our call, what is our vocation on this day which is traditionally Vocation Sunday? Some are called to the ordained ministry or religious life, some of us are called to serve the church as lay ministers. Others are called to a life of commitment in marriage or as a single person. In all of these, we must enter through Jesus and devote ourselves to whatever our vocation may be. In all of these, we seek the guidance, support and love of Jesus the Good Shepherd. He will not let us wander, and if we do, he will find us and carry us back to the fold.
This time of Easter affords us a glimpse of where we are headed on this journey of life. We must always be aware that this life, and how we live it, will afford us eternal life in God. This Jesus, who is the shepherd, is the one who will take care of us through this journey. The image of the Risen Jesus as the Good Shepherd should give us comfort and encouragement as we strive to live out the commitment of our baptism.
"...The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want..."
Prayer for the Week
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
though your people walk in the valley of darkness, no evil should they fear;
for they follow in faith the call of the shepherd
whom you have sent for their hope and strength.
Attune our minds to the sound of his voice,
lead our steps in the path he has shown,
that we may know the strength of his outstretched arms
and enjoy the light of your presence forever.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
(Alternate Opening Prayer for the 4th Sunday of Easter)
Jim Wojcik is the Senior Systems Administrator in the College Admissions Office at the University of Chicago. A member of Ascension parish since April of 2004, Jim is a member of the Liturgy Committee, the chairperson of the Art and Environment Committee, and a minister of communion and lector.
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