April 22, 2018

4^th Sunday of Easter – Cycle B 2018

Good Shepherd Sunday

Deacon Kevin O’Boyle

I am the Good Shepherd. I know mine and mine know me. These words from today’s Gospel are some of the most familiar ones we as Christians know. They are words of reassurance—words of Love. They remind us of the special relationship we each have with Jesus—and the relationship Jesus has with the Church. At the same time, they are a call to each of us to strive to live up to our end of that relationship. To remember what it means to be a Christian. To remember the sacrifice it takes to be both a Christian and a leader of Christians. And to pray that God might raise up more good leaders—earthly shepherds to guide us in our journey. All of our readings today help us in this.  As we review them, I’d like you to remember 4 words—Faith, Action, Courage, and Reliance.
 
In our first reading from Acts, we find Peter and John arrested after they taught about the Resurrection—and healed a cripple in Christ’s name. Peter rises up to speak in their defense. His defense takes its roots from his own strong faith. This man who just weeks earlier had denied Jesus 3 times now has the faith to stand up in reliance on His name. And he did stand up—he took action.  He called out the leaders of the Jews—reminding them of their role in Christ’s death. This, of course took Courage. But this Courage was rooted in a firm Reliance on the Spirit who spoke through him.  Faith, Action, Courage and Reliance. These are the marks of Peter—the first Pope and leader of the Church.
 
In our second reading from the first letter of John, he calls us Children of God—for that is what we are by our baptism. But in using those words, John is calling us to action as God’s Children. He calls us first to see who we are and what that means. Seeing here is more than just what we perceive with our eyes. It is what we understand in our minds, and feel in our hearts. It takes Faith and Courage to recognize who we are—and that recognition should call us to Action while relying on the Spirit that lives in us. The world may not know us for who we are, but our job is to make Christ known to the world. 
 
Then, in our Gospel, Jesus, in his own words, tells us who He is. He is the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep and his sheep know him. We are called to have the faith and courage to recognize and follow Christ. And that will not be easy. And we are not to be a lazy herd—we are to recognize Christ. That means we will take action, just as Peter and John did. We must rely on that same Spirit to show us the way.
 
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we pray that Jesus will send us good earthly shepherds to guide us. Shepherds of strong faith who will courageously take action for the flock relying as Peter did on the Spirit to guide the way. Our Church today is in need of many more good leaders. Priests, who will lead us, and acting in persona as Christ bring us the Eucharist and forgive our sins. Deacons, whose ministry of service helps to make Christ present in our world. Religious, who spread the good news  in countless ways like teaching and healing broken bodies and hearts. Laity who take leadership roles in the Church, giving of their expertise to help the Church grow.
 
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, however, let us pray especially for our priests who face increasing burdens due to shrinking numbers. Let us pray for our seminarians as they seek to discern their future roles. And let us pray for all young men in the Church—that if they feel Christ's call, they will have the courage to answer. Our early leaders were leaders first of faith, then courage, action, and reliance on the Spirit. Let us pray that the Lord will raise up like minded men today to answer his Call. Something to think and pray about this week. God Bless.