Cycle B - Year I:  

25 April 2021:  Fourth Sunday of Easter 

(Liturgical Color: White)

Readings:

First Reading:        Acts 4:8-12

Second Reading:   1 John 3:1-2

Gospel:  Please Read  John 10:11-18

"A Leader in the example of the Good Shepherd!"

In good times and in bad times we look up to a leader.  During good times, a leader inspires us to become leaders ourselves.   In bad times, we trust our leader to lead us through the storms of life.

Especially during this pandemic, we need a competent and effective leadership  to save us from this most deadly crisis for humanity.  Do we have such a leader in our country today? What do we understand by a good and competent leader?

The Gospel this Sunday is a rich source of what it takes to be a good leader in the examples of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself as the Good Shepherd.

The fourth Sunday of the Easter Season is Good Shepherd Sunday in the Church's liturgical calendar.  Of the many titles of Jesus, the most consoling and reassuring perhaps is that of the "Good Shepherd".  

Jesus Himself said it: "I am the Good Shepherd". (Jn 10:11)  The image of a Good Shepherd effectively conveys His divine solicitude and concern for His people, and foster in them the spirit of trust and confidence.

Frist, let us understand the significance of the Gospel narratives.  Shepherding was the main occupation of people during the time of our Lord. Hence, the imagery of a "Good Shepherd" relates to the practical realities of daily living of people at that time.

In countries where there is no experience of shepherding, nonetheless we can reflect on the qualities of a good shepherd and the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep to teach us valuable lessons on how to exercise authority and leadership. 

Now, throughout the Gospels our Lord Jesus takes the concept of temporal power and turns it on its head. For our Lord teaches how our pretenses of worldly power amount to nothing if not directed to serving others.

Going back to the Gospel narratives,  a depiction of our Lord Jesus as a shepherd carrying a sheep in His arms or in His shoulders summarizes well the shepherd's sacrifice.  For the shepherd takes the sheep's burden as his own and spends himself in bringing the sheep to safety and green pasture.

In a general sense, "good shepherd" is an image that implies someone who gives caring, compassionate leadership.  A good shepherd walks in front of his sheep and the sheep follow the shepherd freely; they are not driven or coerced to follow him.

What can shepherding teach us about God and our relationship with Him?  What does it teach us about the use of whatever temporal power entrusted to us?

The Scriptures describes God as the Shepherd who brings security and peace to His people.  Just as the shepherd keeps watch over his sheep and protects them from danger, so our Lord Jesus stands watch over His people as the Shepherd and Guardian of souls.

We can use the imagery of the "Good Shepherd" to guide us in choosing leaders, too.  We should support and elect only those leaders who by their own examples of caring, compassionate leadership, love and respect for human life can truly lead us to be a God-fearing nation. Anyone who claims to be a "leader" but insults and blasphemes against God can only lead us to perdition. This is a timely reminder as we prepare for another national election in 2022.

This Sunday is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  Let us implore the Lord to send committed and dedicated "shepherds of souls" in His Church.  The example of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd is the role-model for all priests and religious who want to follow in His ministry.  So that as representatives of the Good Shepherd Himself, they must be always willing and commit themselves to sacrifice their very lives for God's people if need be. Let us pray that God sustain and protect His priests in their mission and vocation.

Let us also pray for our civil and political leaders that they imitate the examples of leadership of our Lord Jesus as the Good Shepherd, in really serving the people with love and commitment, and not make themselves demi-gods.  Lord, hear our prayers.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!