Fourth Sunday of Easter (John 10:1-10) “Trusting the Voice of the Shepherd”
Fourth Sunday of Easter (Jn. 10:1-10) “Trusting the Voice of the Shepherd”
The image of the Good Shepherd is comforting to many people. For the others, the idea of Jesus as shepherd and believers as his sheep isn’t appealing. Many don’t like the thought of being passive followers. Sheep are considered stupid creatures who need to be constantly taken care of. The metaphor seems to point to an imbalance of power.
The church has suffered when viewed in a hierarchical way. A sin has often been prevalent in the church, the sin of clericalism. Pope Francis has spoken out about this sin many times. Clericalism refers to how the leaders of the church treat their congregants. But it also speaks to a willingness of some members to be passive participants in the church.
Pastors can believe that they have all the answers. An attitude can prevail which says that people are to follow orders without a lot of questions. Also, the leader should never acknowledge mistakes. Governing the church in this manner has led to all kinds of abuse throughout the centuries.
Members of churches can have a clerical attitude as well. Such an attitude looks to the pastor to solve every problem. Whenever a difficulty arises, big or small, parishioners can absolve themselves of any responsibility. Church members can say, “I told those in charge what the problem is, so I have fulfilled my responsibility.” A clerical church leads to those sorts of interactions. At times the whole situation is justified by claiming that there are sheep and there are shepherds. Each needs to know their place.
Such a dynamic leads to resentment of authority of all kinds. We can doubt that there is wisdom that is valuable. We all can be stubborn. We can be willful. We can make things more complicated than they need to be.
We might use another metaphor that might indicate a different attitude. We have all had the experience of getting a piece of furniture in a box. Or we might have purchased a toy for a boy or girl that we want to give as a gift. When we look at the outside of the package it may say, “Some assembly required.” We open the box. We lay out the various parts. Inside the box there is usually a set of directions.
We have two options. One course of action is to start to assemble the item looking at the picture on the outside of the box. Another possibility is to take fifteen minutes to read the directions. When we read the directions, we admit that someone might know more than we do. We will also save time, assemble things correctly, maybe we won’t have parts left over.
There is a virtue that we are exercising if we read the directions. We show true humility. We also exercise responsibility at the same time. We are exercising our free will. We aren’t mindless sheep. We are pragmatic followers.
Today we read from the First Letter of St. Peter. In chapter 1 verses 6-7 give us some spiritual advice. Peter the Shepherd acknowledges that we face various trials in life. The Greek word that Peter uses for various is poi-ki-los, which means many colored. Peter uses that term on one other occasion. And that is when he talks of God’s grace.
Peter says our difficulties are like the colors of the rainbow, many and varied, but the graces God offers us are as numerous as all the colors in the rainbow as well. Peter assures us that no matter what problem we encounter in life there is a corresponding grace. God’s graces flow into the world we just need to match the grace with the corresponding challenge that we face in life. The key is to call out to God asking for the help we need.
The Gospel says Jesus is the gate we pass through to enter the Kingdom. He doesn’t want us to follow blindly. Jesus wants us to choose to follow his instructions, to trust him. He offers us many graces (spiritual helps). Grace is always a gift. Jesus calls out to us today. Hopefully, we call out to him as well. Our Christian life is at its strongest when there is an ongoing dialogue between Jesus and us. Blessings in abundance can flow from this conversation. We label this dialogue prayer. The more we pray the more attuned we become to the voice of the Shepherd. And when we hear that voice, we eagerly respond.
Reflection Questions:
Do I listen for Jesus’ voice when I am deciding something? Why or why not?
What does Jesus’ voice sound like to me? How do I know what is authentic?
Dear Parishioners,
May is always a month when we have heightened activity. This weekend and next weekend we will be having first communion celebrations. Over forty students will be receiving their First Holy Communions at our 11 a.m. Masses. I think it is good that we have these celebrations at a parish Mass rather than a separate Mass. This is after all, a parish event. All parishioners benefit from seeing our parish children celebrate the sacraments of initiation. We are, after all, one family.
This is part of our Catholic culture. It might be a chance to recall our own First Communion. How did we feel when we received the Eucharist for the first time? I remember the awe I felt. This is a fitting way to celebrate the Eucharistic revival. When we see the children’s enthusiasm, hopefully, this inspires us to strive for greater holiness.
I invite everyone to attend the First Communion celebrations. The mass is usually crowded, but there is always room for more people who want to take part.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for our violent world.
Fr. Mark
P.S. Our maintenance man, Jesus Vargas, has been on leave since he had a knee injury the week before Easter. His knee has been replaced and he is having therapy. Many people have stepped up to fill in for Jesus. He does a lot of our gardening work. I appreciate all those who are helping. Jesus hopes to be back soon. He is a valuable part of our staff.