LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Acts 3:14, 43-52
Responsorial psalm: Psalm 99(100):1-3, 5
Second reading: Apocalypse 7:9, 14-17
Gospel: John 10:27-30
Link to readings
On this ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’, the Gospel verses are taken from the 10th chapter of St John. Here Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd, who brings life, love and protection to those within his flock. In the First Reading, Luke describes a turning point in Paul and Barnabas’ ministry. Rather than discouraging them, their rejection by the Jews fills them with fresh confidence to preach the message to the Gentiles. They are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit as the Church then begins to expand throughout the whole region.
The Psalm is full of joyful thanksgiving. It is a powerful reminder that we are made by God. We are the sheep of his flock and he will never ever abandon us. The Second Reading reflects God’s diverse and inclusive plan for salvation. This heavenly scene depicts people from all corners of the earth, of every nation, tribe and language. We are united in faith and rejoice in God’s unconditional, limitless love.
In the Gospel the image of the Good Shepherd reassures us that we do not have to earn God’s love; it is freely and unconditionally given to all of us. All we need to do is hear his voice and follow him. As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee year, we pray that we will be liberated, rejoicing in the knowledge that we already belong to God whose love for all people is abundant. How might I bring this message of unity and acceptance to different communities during this Easter period?
SECOND READING
Acts 13:14, 43b-52
In those days: Paul and Barnabas went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into a synagogue and sat down. Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But, when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”’ And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many were appointed to eternal life and believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTION
I take some time to still my thoughts and become aware of my body, my breathing, and the loving presence of God who made me. When I am ready, I read the text. I may like to place myself in the scene, perhaps at first as one of the Jewish crowd listening to Paul and Barnabas. I ponder . . . Are there times when I take my faith and community for granted? Or are there instances when I become blinkered in my thinking and actions? I talk to the Lord about this . . . perhaps calling to mind things or people that make me feel cynical or wary because they are new or different. I pray that I might remain open to the many ways in which God speaks to me.
I may turn now to the reaction of the Gentiles. I ponder the joy I may have felt during an unexpected encounter with God, perhaps through people that I would not normally associate with.
Perhaps I am reminded of the delight I can give to others by simply making them feel valued and heard, even in the face of criticism from others. In time, I bring my prayer to a close, with joy and gratitude for our God of unity.
GOSPEL
John 10: 27–30
A t that time: Jesus said,
‘My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life,
and they will never perish,
and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
I and the Father are one.’
REFLECTION
I come to a place of quiet, and take all the time I need to become aware of the Lord’s loving gaze upon me. I gently set aside any concerns or list of tasks I might have to complete. They will all wait.
I read the text slowly, and allow the words of Jesus to sink into my heart. It might help to insert my own name into the text so that I hear Jesus talking to me directly . . . ‘[My name], I give you eternal life, and you will never perish.’ I ponder the different ways in which I hear the Lord’s voice and follow him. I reflect on a God who knows everything about me, even the deepest and darkest parts that I keep hidden from others. How does it feel to know that God’s love is unconditional, limitless . . . that God will never abandon me?
Reassured of this truth, I bring to the Lord any issues that I find particularly challenging. I tell him of people or problems, past and present, that threaten my peace, or that lead me to behave in a way that makes me feel distant from him. I talk honestly and openly with the Lord for as long as I need to. I take time to listen to and absorb his gentle words of reassurance.
Before concluding my prayer, I thank the Lord for being with me today and for helping me look forward with renewed hope to my life as a member of the Christian community. When I am ready, I bring my prayer to a close, without rushing. I give renewed thanks for this opportunity to be reminded of the Lord’s eternal love.
Courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, UK