Fourth Sunday of Easter
Lectionary: 51
Lectionary: 51
Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga
and reached Antioch in Pisidia.
On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats.
Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism
followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them
and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God.
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered
to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
but since you reject it
and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us,
I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth.”
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this
and glorified the word of the Lord.
All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread
through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers
and the leading men of the city,
stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them,
and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
and reached Antioch in Pisidia.
On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats.
Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism
followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them
and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God.
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered
to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
but since you reject it
and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us,
I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth.”
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this
and glorified the word of the Lord.
All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread
through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers
and the leading men of the city,
stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them,
and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 100:1-2, 3, 5
R. (3c) We are
his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is good:
his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is good:
his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading 2REV 7:9, 14B-17
I, John, had a vision of a great multitude,
which no one could count,
from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb,
wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
Then one of the elders said to me,
“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
they have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
“For this reason they stand before God’s throne
and worship him day and night in his temple.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them.
They will not hunger or thirst anymore,
nor will the sun or any heat strike them.
For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne
will shepherd them
and lead them to springs of life-giving water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
which no one could count,
from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb,
wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.
Then one of the elders said to me,
“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
they have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
“For this reason they stand before God’s throne
and worship him day and night in his temple.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them.
They will not hunger or thirst anymore,
nor will the sun or any heat strike them.
For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne
will shepherd them
and lead them to springs of life-giving water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
AlleluiaJN 10:14
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 10:27-30
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
4th Sunday of Easter – Cycle C
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Acts 13:14, 43-52
The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles form a single historical and literary unit. The gospel starts with the birth of Jesus and traces the salvation history of Israel, displaying the promises which had been made to her and ending with the fulfillment of those covenant promises in the sacrificial death of Jesus. Acts starts with the birth of the Church and displays the covenant promises which have been made to her. All members of the New Israel, the Church, share in the inheritance which is promised.
After the initial establishment of the Church in Jerusalem, it spread outward with Philip going to Samaria and Peter going to Lydia and Joppa and then to Antioch.
Saint Paul traveled more widely than the other disciples, undertaking three missionary journeys, each more extensive than the previous one, and then a final journey to Rome to join Peter.
Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s first missionary journey.
14 They [Paul and Barnabas] continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats.
This event takes place in the middle of Saint Paul’s first missionary journey.
The intervening verses between 14 and 43 constitute an example of the kind of preaching which Saint Paul did after his conversion. The first century synagogue service consisted of prayer, readings from scripture, the singing of psalms, and a teaching (homily/sermon) about the meaning of the scripture. As we know from Acts 2:46 the apostles attended Jewish services and then celebrated the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word is patterned after the synagogue service and is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Saint Paul and his associates thought of themselves as Jews announcing the messianic salvation of Israel, and they abandoned the synagogues only when the Jews repudiated them.
We will read the intervening verses in order to establish the setting for today’s reading.
15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, “My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” 16 So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it 18 and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert. 19 When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel (the) prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’ 23 From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. 24 John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; 25 and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ 26 AMy brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent. 27 The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. 28 For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death, 29 and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are (now) his witnesses before the people. 32 We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors 33 he has brought to fulfillment for us, (their) children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my son; this day I have begotten you.’ 34 And that he raised him from the dead never to return to corruption he declared in this way, ‘I shall give you the benefits assured to David.’ 35 That is why he also says in another psalm, ‘You will not suffer your holy one to see corruption.’ 36 Now David, after he had served the will of God in his lifetime, fell asleep, was gathered to his ancestors, and did see corruption. 37 But the one whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 You must know, my brothers, that through him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, (and) in regard to everything from which you could not be justified under the law of Moses, 39 in him every believer is justified. 40 Be careful, then, that what was said in the prophets not come about: 41 ‘Look on, you scoffers, be amazed and disappear. For I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe even if someone tells you.’” 42 As they were leaving, they invited them to speak on these subjects the following sabbath. 43 After the congregation had dispersed,
And now back to the reading.
[M]any Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism
Gentiles who, won by Jewish missionary efforts, had submitted to circumcision.
followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
Contrast the widespread enthusiasm of the populace at large with the jealousy of the Jews. Antioch was primarily a Gentile city.
45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Paul’s first address was to the Jews who had invited him back the following week. When he returns, his following is no longer only Jews.
46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
To the Jews.
but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me (Luke 10:16).
we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
This quotation is of the Septuagint version of Isaiah 49:6 and is part of a servant song. This associates Paul as a missionary with the Servant of Yahweh, his preaching of the Word is to be an illumination for the Gentiles.
48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the
women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory.
The beatitudes: “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matthew 5:11). One of the rewards of discipleship is persecution (Mark 10:30). The message of Christ is getting through.
51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
“If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town” (Matthew 10:14). Shaking the dust expresses complete dissociation. “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23).
52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.
2nd Reading - Revelation 7:9, 14-17
Last week we heard Saint John describing his vision of the heavenly liturgy where he saw the Lamb of God in the Holy of Holies in His perpetual offering to God, the heavenly offering of Jesus Himself which we join at every Mass. Today we join Saint John as he again views this heavenly liturgy and describes the Church in heaven (what we call the Church Triumphant) as it glorifies God.
9 [ ] I [John] had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
Like the crowd described last week, this is an innumerably large crowd from all nations. This huge crowd contrasts with the 144,000 from the people of Israel described in verses 1-8. The 144,000 may represent a select group within this large body, those of the Old Covenant (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel). This may also be an allusion to the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:5).
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes
A symbol of the glorified body of the righteous dead.
and holding palm branches in their hands.
A sign of victory and of the thanksgiving of the elect (1 Maccabees 13:51; 2 Maccabees 10:7).
[Then one of the elders] 14b said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
The crisis which involves persecution for the faithful; the time of which Jesus warned when He spoke to the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19) – a tribulation that He stated would take place during the then-existing generation (Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32).
they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The transformation of a person from soiled (sinful) to clean (holy) is closely related to the death of Jesus understood as a sacrifice. Repentance, conversion, and baptism begin the transformation of a human being, perseverance had led to their reward. What follows is a poetic description of salvation.
15 “For this reason they stand before God’s throne
The greatest blessing is to be in God’s presence.
and worship him day and night in his temple.
Symbolizes closeness to God; ceaselessly celebrating a celestial liturgy (see 1 Chronicles 9:33; 23:30; Psalm 134:1). The whole of God’s holy people shares in His worship.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Psalm 23; 80:2; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11-16.
and lead them
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalm 5:9; 86:11; Wisdom 9:11.
to springs of life-giving water,
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Jeremiah 2:13; Psalm 35:10.
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Isaiah 25:8
Gospel - John 10:27-30
This Sunday is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” In ancient times in Palestine, sheep and goats were raised for wool and milk, and usually not for meat. The sheep were somewhat like our pets to the shepherd. He could call them with a distinctive whistle or voice and they would come for him and him only. The shepherd provided everything for the sheep: food, water, protection, assurance. The sheep were not herded or driven, they were led. The shepherd would start out and call them, and they followed.
The setting for today’s reading is the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah) and Jesus is within the temple precincts (Solomon’s porch) and is addressing the people of Jerusalem. The people have asked Him to speak plainly and answer the question “Are you the Messiah?”. Jesus then answered “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my
Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.” 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life,
The pasturage to which He leads His sheep.
and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.
Because He is the true shepherd to whom the sheep have been given by the Father as we hear in the next verse.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
It is impossible that Jesus should lose the sheep that have been given to Him by the Father since the Father’s omnipotence is the guarantee of the gift.
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
The Father and Son are one in mind, will, and action. Jesus does not say merely that He and the Father are “at one” but that they are “one thing”. This is one of Jesus’ hard sayings which provokes the wrath of the Jews as we hear in the next verse “The Jews again (the first time was in John 8:59) picked up rocks to stone Him.”
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Acts 13:14, 43-52
The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles form a single historical and literary unit. The gospel starts with the birth of Jesus and traces the salvation history of Israel, displaying the promises which had been made to her and ending with the fulfillment of those covenant promises in the sacrificial death of Jesus. Acts starts with the birth of the Church and displays the covenant promises which have been made to her. All members of the New Israel, the Church, share in the inheritance which is promised.
After the initial establishment of the Church in Jerusalem, it spread outward with Philip going to Samaria and Peter going to Lydia and Joppa and then to Antioch.
Saint Paul traveled more widely than the other disciples, undertaking three missionary journeys, each more extensive than the previous one, and then a final journey to Rome to join Peter.
Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s first missionary journey.
14 They [Paul and Barnabas] continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats.
This event takes place in the middle of Saint Paul’s first missionary journey.
The intervening verses between 14 and 43 constitute an example of the kind of preaching which Saint Paul did after his conversion. The first century synagogue service consisted of prayer, readings from scripture, the singing of psalms, and a teaching (homily/sermon) about the meaning of the scripture. As we know from Acts 2:46 the apostles attended Jewish services and then celebrated the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word is patterned after the synagogue service and is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Saint Paul and his associates thought of themselves as Jews announcing the messianic salvation of Israel, and they abandoned the synagogues only when the Jews repudiated them.
We will read the intervening verses in order to establish the setting for today’s reading.
15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, “My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” 16 So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it 18 and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert. 19 When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel (the) prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’ 23 From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. 24 John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; 25 and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ 26 AMy brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent. 27 The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. 28 For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death, 29 and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are (now) his witnesses before the people. 32 We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors 33 he has brought to fulfillment for us, (their) children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my son; this day I have begotten you.’ 34 And that he raised him from the dead never to return to corruption he declared in this way, ‘I shall give you the benefits assured to David.’ 35 That is why he also says in another psalm, ‘You will not suffer your holy one to see corruption.’ 36 Now David, after he had served the will of God in his lifetime, fell asleep, was gathered to his ancestors, and did see corruption. 37 But the one whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 You must know, my brothers, that through him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, (and) in regard to everything from which you could not be justified under the law of Moses, 39 in him every believer is justified. 40 Be careful, then, that what was said in the prophets not come about: 41 ‘Look on, you scoffers, be amazed and disappear. For I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe even if someone tells you.’” 42 As they were leaving, they invited them to speak on these subjects the following sabbath. 43 After the congregation had dispersed,
And now back to the reading.
[M]any Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism
Gentiles who, won by Jewish missionary efforts, had submitted to circumcision.
followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
Contrast the widespread enthusiasm of the populace at large with the jealousy of the Jews. Antioch was primarily a Gentile city.
45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Paul’s first address was to the Jews who had invited him back the following week. When he returns, his following is no longer only Jews.
46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
To the Jews.
but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me (Luke 10:16).
we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
This quotation is of the Septuagint version of Isaiah 49:6 and is part of a servant song. This associates Paul as a missionary with the Servant of Yahweh, his preaching of the Word is to be an illumination for the Gentiles.
48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the
women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory.
The beatitudes: “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matthew 5:11). One of the rewards of discipleship is persecution (Mark 10:30). The message of Christ is getting through.
51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
“If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town” (Matthew 10:14). Shaking the dust expresses complete dissociation. “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23).
52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.
2nd Reading - Revelation 7:9, 14-17
Last week we heard Saint John describing his vision of the heavenly liturgy where he saw the Lamb of God in the Holy of Holies in His perpetual offering to God, the heavenly offering of Jesus Himself which we join at every Mass. Today we join Saint John as he again views this heavenly liturgy and describes the Church in heaven (what we call the Church Triumphant) as it glorifies God.
9 [ ] I [John] had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.
Like the crowd described last week, this is an innumerably large crowd from all nations. This huge crowd contrasts with the 144,000 from the people of Israel described in verses 1-8. The 144,000 may represent a select group within this large body, those of the Old Covenant (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel). This may also be an allusion to the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:5).
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes
A symbol of the glorified body of the righteous dead.
and holding palm branches in their hands.
A sign of victory and of the thanksgiving of the elect (1 Maccabees 13:51; 2 Maccabees 10:7).
[Then one of the elders] 14b said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;
The crisis which involves persecution for the faithful; the time of which Jesus warned when He spoke to the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19) – a tribulation that He stated would take place during the then-existing generation (Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32).
they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The transformation of a person from soiled (sinful) to clean (holy) is closely related to the death of Jesus understood as a sacrifice. Repentance, conversion, and baptism begin the transformation of a human being, perseverance had led to their reward. What follows is a poetic description of salvation.
15 “For this reason they stand before God’s throne
The greatest blessing is to be in God’s presence.
and worship him day and night in his temple.
Symbolizes closeness to God; ceaselessly celebrating a celestial liturgy (see 1 Chronicles 9:33; 23:30; Psalm 134:1). The whole of God’s holy people shares in His worship.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Psalm 23; 80:2; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11-16.
and lead them
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalm 5:9; 86:11; Wisdom 9:11.
to springs of life-giving water,
Heavenly happiness is described in a series of Old Testament expressions: Jeremiah 2:13; Psalm 35:10.
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Isaiah 25:8
Gospel - John 10:27-30
This Sunday is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” In ancient times in Palestine, sheep and goats were raised for wool and milk, and usually not for meat. The sheep were somewhat like our pets to the shepherd. He could call them with a distinctive whistle or voice and they would come for him and him only. The shepherd provided everything for the sheep: food, water, protection, assurance. The sheep were not herded or driven, they were led. The shepherd would start out and call them, and they followed.
The setting for today’s reading is the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah) and Jesus is within the temple precincts (Solomon’s porch) and is addressing the people of Jerusalem. The people have asked Him to speak plainly and answer the question “Are you the Messiah?”. Jesus then answered “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my
Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.” 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life,
The pasturage to which He leads His sheep.
and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.
Because He is the true shepherd to whom the sheep have been given by the Father as we hear in the next verse.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
It is impossible that Jesus should lose the sheep that have been given to Him by the Father since the Father’s omnipotence is the guarantee of the gift.
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
The Father and Son are one in mind, will, and action. Jesus does not say merely that He and the Father are “at one” but that they are “one thing”. This is one of Jesus’ hard sayings which provokes the wrath of the Jews as we hear in the next verse “The Jews again (the first time was in John 8:59) picked up rocks to stone Him.”
Meditation: "My
sheep hear my voice"
How secure is your faith
and trust in God? Jesus speaks of the tremendous trust he has in God his Father
and the tremendous trust we ought to have in him because he is our good
shepherd (John 10:11). What is the significance of Jesus calling himself the
Good Shepherd? Shepherds were very common in the land of Jesus' time. A
shepherd could have hundreds or thousands of sheep under his care. Sheep
without a shepherd were vulnerable prey for predators, such as wolves and
thieves. If a sheep strayed from the fold it could easily get lost, fall into a
ravine, or become injured. Shepherds had to keep a constant watch over their
folds by day and by night. That is why shepherds had to literally live with
their sheep so they could lead them out to good pasture for grazing during the
day and bring them to a safe place at night for rest and shelter. Shepherds got
to know their sheep well and kept a careful count each evening. They also
called their sheep by name so the sheep could recognize the shepherd's voice
when he called them to follow him.
The Good Shepherd and
Guardian of our souls
God used the image of a shepherd to describe his covenant relationship and care for his chosen people who were called by his name (Psalm 80:1 and 100:3). God called David, who shepherded his father's flock in his youth, to be the anointed king and shepherd for his people Israel (Ezekiel 37:24). Jesus, God's anointed Messiah and King, born from the tribe of David, called himself the Good Shepherd of the people whom his Father had entrusted to his care (John 10:29).
God used the image of a shepherd to describe his covenant relationship and care for his chosen people who were called by his name (Psalm 80:1 and 100:3). God called David, who shepherded his father's flock in his youth, to be the anointed king and shepherd for his people Israel (Ezekiel 37:24). Jesus, God's anointed Messiah and King, born from the tribe of David, called himself the Good Shepherd of the people whom his Father had entrusted to his care (John 10:29).
Peter the Apostle tells
us that the Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1
Peter 2:25). He keeps a close and personal watch over every one of his sheep -
his followers (disciples) who belong to him. He calls each of us personally by
name to follow him. And he promises to be our guardian and protector from the
snares of our enemy, Satan, the father of lies and a murderer from the
beginning (John 8:44). The Lord leads us each day to good pastures - places
where we can feed on his word and drink from the well-springs of living water
which is his Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39, John 4:14). If we feed on his word and
drink from the living water of the Holy Spirit, we will find the nourishment
and strength we need to live each day for his glory and honor. Do you recognize
the voice of your Shepherd and Guardian who calls to you each day?
"My sheep follow
me"
Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD), an early church father and theologian, contrasts those who listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and those who close their ears to his call.
Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD), an early church father and theologian, contrasts those who listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and those who close their ears to his call.
The
mark of Christ's sheep is their willingness to hear and obey, just as
disobedience is the mark of those who are not his. We take the word hear to
imply obedience to what has been said. People who hear God are known by him. No
one is entirely unknown by God, but to be known in this way is to become part
of his family. Therefore, when Christ says, 'I know mine,' he means I will
receive them and give them a permanent mystical relationship with myself. It
might be said that inasmuch as he has become man, he has made all human beings
his relatives, since all are members of the same race. We are all united to
Christ in a mystical relationship because of his incarnation. Yet those who do
not preserve the likeness of his holiness are alienated from him... 'My sheep
follow me,' says Christ. By a certain God-given grace, believers follow in the
footsteps of Christ. No longer subject to the shadows of the law, they obey the
commands of Christ and guided by his words rise through grace to his own
dignity, for they are called 'children of God' (Matthew 5:9). When Christ
ascends into heaven, they also follow him." (excerpt from the
COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7.1)
The Lord opens our ears to hear his word
The Lord speaks to us in a variety of ways, but especially through his word in the Sacred Scriptures. He will open the Scriptures for us if we approach his word with reverence and faith (Luke 24:32). How can we grow in listening to the voice of our Lord and Shepherd? If we ask he will open our ears to hear him speak to our hearts and minds.
The Lord speaks to us in a variety of ways, but especially through his word in the Sacred Scriptures. He will open the Scriptures for us if we approach his word with reverence and faith (Luke 24:32). How can we grow in listening to the voice of our Lord and Shepherd? If we ask he will open our ears to hear him speak to our hearts and minds.
"Morning
by morning he wakens, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The
Lord GOD has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward" (Isaiah 50:4-5).
And if we hunger for his word, he will give us understanding, wisdom, and
guidance for our lives.
"Your
word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path... I rejoice at your word like
one who finds great treasure" (Psalm 119:105, 162).
The Lord Jesus wants to draw each of us close to himself. He wants us to be
united with him and the Father. That is why he teaches us to pray to our Father
in heaven and to ask for his kingdom to reign in our lives (Matthew 6:9-10).
The Lord Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts and homes (Revelation 2:20) and
waits for our response. Will you answer his call and welcome his presence with
you?
"Lord Jesus, you have the words of eternal life. Open my ears to hear your voice and to follow your ways. Give me understanding that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and wisdom for my life."
"Lord Jesus, you have the words of eternal life. Open my ears to hear your voice and to follow your ways. Give me understanding that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and wisdom for my life."
Daily Quote from the
early church fathers: The Great might of Christ's hand, by Clement
of Alexandria, 150-215 A.D.
"The faithful also
have the help of Christ, and the devil is not able to snatch them. Those who
have an endless enjoyment of good things remain in Christ's hand, no one
thereafter snatching them away from the bliss that is given to them. [No one
can throw them] into punishment or torments. For it is not possible that those
who are in Christ's hand should be snatched away to be punished because of the
great might Christ has. For 'the hand' in the divine Scripture signifies 'the
power'” It cannot be doubted therefore that the hand of Christ is unconquerable
and mighty to all things." (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL
OF JOHN 7.1)
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, JOHN 10:27-30
(Acts 13:14, 43-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14b-17)
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, JOHN 10:27-30
(Acts 13:14, 43-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14b-17)
KEY VERSE: "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (v 27).
TO KNOW: The theme of God as the shepherd of Israel is found throughout scripture (e.g., Genesis 48:15; Psalm 23, 28:9, 80:2; Hosea 4:16). The king must also be a good shepherd of the people (See Isaiah 44:28 and Jeremiah 2:8, 10:21). In John 10 Jesus declared himself to be the "good shepherd" (v 11; see also Matthew 26:31 and Hebrews 13:20), an image evoking Ezekiel's portrayal of God as the shepherd of Israel (Ez 34). Jesus was confronted by those who demanded to know if he equated himself with the Messiah of God. Jesus told them that they did not acknowledge the works that he did as coming from God because they did not belong to his flock. Those who belonged to Jesus heard his voice and followed him. Jesus is a good shepherd who keeps careful watch over his flock; they shall never perish because he has given them eternal life. The Father gave these faithful ones to Jesus as a precious gift. No one can snatch them from his hand because he and the Father are one.
TO LOVE: Do I help care for Christ's flock or scatter them through my words and actions?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, keep me safe in your fold.
NOTE: The Fourth Sunday of Easter is referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. In John 21:15-18, Jesus makes Peter the chief shepherd of the flock. This day was designated in 1964 as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, invited all the faithful to “cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ, Master and Pastor of His people, imitating Mary who guarded the divine mysteries in her heart and contemplated them assiduously." The Church's sanctity depends essentially on her union with Christ and her openness to the mystery of grace at work in the hearts of all members of his flock.
Sunday 17 April 2016
Sun 17th. 4th Sunday of Easter.
Acts 13:14, 43-52. We are his people, the sheep of his
flock—Ps 99(100):1-3, 5. Apocalypse 7:9, 14-17. John
10:27-30.
People of God.
Our readings today emphasise the joy experienced in
following the Way of Salvation. In Acts we hear that almost the whole city of
Antioch gathered to ‘hear the word of the Lord’.
Paul and Barnabas speak of their calling to serve as
light to the Gentiles. A source for spontaneous delight among the people, many
come to belief. While city authorities expel the disciples, they are filled
with thanksgiving for God’s activity among the people.
Our reading from Apocalypse describes the Lamb of God
shepherding the great multitude of people toward ‘springs of life-giving
water’. Taken together with today’s Gospel from John, we might taste the water
of salvation when we listen to God’s Word and follow.
Walking the Way of Salvation, we share intimate
communion with the Father. Just as the community in Antioch did, we come
together to listen to the word of the Lord.
MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
|
Blinded By Sin
|
When I was in sin, the sight of lepers nauseated me beyond
measure; but then God himself led me into their company, and I had pity on
them. When I had once become acquainted with them, what had previously
nauseated me became a source of spiritual and physical consolation for me.
—St. Francis
—St. Francis
April
17
St. Benedict Joseph Labre
(d. 1783)
St. Benedict Joseph Labre
(d. 1783)
Benedict Joseph Labre was truly eccentric, one
of God's special little ones. Born in France and the eldest of 18 children, he
studied under his uncle, a parish priest. Because of poor health and a lack of
suitable academic preparation he was unsuccessful in his attempts to enter the
religious life. Then, at 16 years of age, a profound change took place.
Benedict lost his desire to study and gave up all thoughts of the priesthood,
much to the consternation of his relatives.
He became a pilgrim, traveling from one great
shrine to another, living off alms. He wore the rags of a beggar and shared his
food with the poor. Filled with the love of God and neighbor, Benedict had
special devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Blessed Sacrament. In Rome,
where he lived in the Colosseum for a time, he was called "the poor man of
the Forty Hours Devotion" and "the beggar of Rome." The people
accepted his ragged appearance better than he did. His excuse to himself was
that "our comfort is not in this world."
On the last day of his life, April 16, 1783,
Benedict Joseph dragged himself to a church in Rome and prayed there for two
hours before he collapsed, dying peacefully in a nearby house. Immediately
after his death the people proclaimed him a saint.
He was officially proclaimed a saint by Pope
Leo XIII at canonization ceremonies in 1881.
Comment:
In a modern inner city, one local character kneels for hours on the sidewalk and prays. Swathed in his entire wardrobe winter and summer, he greets passersby with a blessing. Where he sleeps no one knows, but he is surely a direct spiritual descendant of Benedict, the ragged man who slept in the ruins of Rome’s Colosseum. These days we ascribe such behavior to mental illness; Benedict’s contemporaries called him holy. Holiness is always a bit mad by earthly standards.
In a modern inner city, one local character kneels for hours on the sidewalk and prays. Swathed in his entire wardrobe winter and summer, he greets passersby with a blessing. Where he sleeps no one knows, but he is surely a direct spiritual descendant of Benedict, the ragged man who slept in the ruins of Rome’s Colosseum. These days we ascribe such behavior to mental illness; Benedict’s contemporaries called him holy. Holiness is always a bit mad by earthly standards.
Patron Saint of:
Homeless
Homeless
LECTIO DIVINA: 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER (C)
Lectio Divina:
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Jesus the Good Shepherd:
his sheep know him
John 10,27-30
his sheep know him
John 10,27-30
1. LECTIO
a) Opening prayer:
a) Opening prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, to our hearts and kindle in
them the fire of your love, give us the grace to read and re-read this page of
the Gospel, to actively, lovingly and operatively remember it in our life. We
wish to get close to the mystery of the Person of Jesus contained in this image
of the Shepherd. For this, we humbly ask you to open the eyes of our mind and
heart in order to be able to know the power of your Resurrection. Enlighten our
mind, oh Spirit of light, so that we may understand the words of Jesus, the
Good Shepherd; warm up our heart so as to be aware that these words are not far
from us, that they are the key of our present experience. Come, oh Holy Spirit,
because without you the Gospel will be dead letter; with you the Gospel is the
Spirit of Life. Give us, oh Father, the Holy Spirit; we ask this together with
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother and with Elias, your prophet in the
name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
b) Reading of the text:
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me; 28 and I give them eternal life, and they shall never
perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 29 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. 30 I and the Father are one."
c) Moments of prayerful silence:
Silence protects the fire of the word which
has entered in us through the listening of the Word. It helps to preserve the
interior fire of God. Stop for a few moments in the silence, listening to be
able to participate in the creative and re-creative power of the divine Word.
2. MEDITATIO
a) Key to the reading:
The passage of the Liturgy of this Sunday is
taken from chapter 10 of St. John, a discourse of Jesus during the Jewish Feast
of the dedication of the Temple of Jerusalem which was celebrated at the end of
December (during which the re-consecration of the Temple, which had been
violated by the Syrian-Hellenists, was commemorated, the work of Judas Maccabee
in 164 B.C.). The word of Jesus concerning the relation between the Shepherd
(Christ) and the sheep (the Church) belongs to a true and proper debate between
Jesus and the Jews. They ask Jesus a clear question and demand a response, just
as concrete and public: “If you are the Christ, tell us the plain truth”
(10,24). John, other times in the Gospel presents the Jews who intend to get a
clear affirmation from Jesus concerning his identity (2,18; 5,16; 8,25). In the
Synoptics a similar question is presented during the process before the Chief
Priests (Mt 26,63; Mk 14,61; Lk 22,67). Jesus’ answer is presented in two
stages (vv. 25-31 and 32-39). Let us consider briefly the context of the first
stage where our liturgical text is inserted. The Jews have not understood the
parable of the Shepherd (Jn 10,1-21) and now they ask Jesus a clearer
revelation of his identity. In itself, the reason for their unbelief is not to
be sought in the lack of clarity but in their refusal to belong to his flock,
to his sheep. An analogous expression of Jesus may throw light on this as we
read in Mk 4,11: “To you I have made known the mystery of the Kingdom of God,
but the others who are on the outside, hear all things by means of parables”.
The words of Jesus are light only for those who live within the community, for
those who decide to remain outside these words are an enigma which disconcerts.
To the unbelief of the Jews, Jesus opposes the behaviour of those who belong to
him and whom the Father has given to him; and also the relationship with them.
Jesus’ language is not immediately evident for
us; rather in comparing the believers to a flock leaves us perplexed. We are
not, at all, strangers to the life of farmers and shepherds, and it is not easy
to understand what the flock would represent for a people who are shepherds.
The audience to whom Jesus addresses the parable, on the other hand, were
precisely shepherds. It is evident that the parable is understood from the
point of view of the man who shares almost everything with his flock. He knows
his sheep: he sees the quality of each one and every defect; the sheep also
experience his guidance: they respond to his voice and to his indications.
i) The sheep of Jesus
listen to his voice: it is a question not only of an external listening (3,5;
5,37) but also of an attentive listening (5,28; 10,3) up to an obedient
listening (10,16.27; 18,37; 5,25). In the discourse of the shepherd this
listening expresses the trust and the union that the sheep have with the
shepherd (10,4). The adjective “my, mine” does not only indicate the simple
possession of the sheep, but makes evident that the sheep belong to him, and
they belong in so far as he is the owner (10,12).
ii) Here, then, is
established an intimate communication between Jesus and the sheep: “and I know
them” (10,27). It is not a question of intellectual knowledge; in the Biblical
sense “to know someone” means, above all, to have a personal relation with him,
to live in some way in communion with him. A knowledge which does not exclude
the human features of sympathy, love, communion of nature.
iii) In virtue of this
knowledge of love the shepherd invites his own to follow him. The listening to
the Shepherd involves also a discernment, because among the many different
possible voices, the sheep choose that which corresponds to a concrete Person
(Jesus). Following this discernment, the response is active, personal and
becomes obedience. This results from the listening. Therefore, between the
listening and following the Shepherd is the knowledge of Jesus.
The knowledge which the sheep have of Jesus
opens an itinerary which leads to love: “I give them eternal life”. For the
Evangelist, life is the gift of communion with God. While in the Synoptics
‘life’ or ‘eternal life’ is related to the future; in John’s Gospel it
indicates an actual possession. This aspect is frequently repeated in John’s
narration: “He who believes in the Son possesses eternal life” (3,36); “I am
telling you the truth: whoever hears my words and believes in him who sent me
has eternal life” (5,24; 6,47).
The relation of love of Jesus becomes concrete
also by the experience of protection which man experiences: it is said that the
sheep “will never be lost”. Perhaps, this is a reference to eternal damnation.
And it is added that “no one will snatch them”. These expressions suggest the
role of the hand of God and of Christ who prevent the hearts of persons to be
snatched by other negative forces. In the Bible the hand, in some contexts, is
a metaphor which indicates the force of God who protects (Deut 33,3: Ps 31,6).
In others, the verb “to snatch” (harpázö) suggests the idea that
the community of disciples will not be exempt from the attacks of evil and of
temptations. But the expression “no one will snatch them” indicates that the
presence of Christ assures the community of the certainty of an unflinching stability
which allows them to overcome every temptation of fear.
b) Some questions:
To orientate the meditative reflection and the
updating:
i) The first attitude
which the Word of Jesus makes evident is that man has “to listen”. This verb in
Biblical language is rich and relevant: it implies joyous adherence to the
content of what is listened to, obedience to the person who speaks, the choice
of life of the one who addresses us. Are you a man immersed in listening to
God? Are there spaces and moments in your daily life which you dedicate, in a
particular way, to listening to the Word of God?
ii) The dialogue or
intimate and profound communication between Christ and you has been defined by
the Gospel in today’s Liturgy by a great Biblical verb, “to know” This involves
the whole being of man: the mind, the heart, the will. Is your consciousness of
Christ firm at a theoretical-abstract level or do you allow yourself to be
transformed and guided by his voice on the journey of your life?
iii) The man who has
listened and known God “follows” Christ as the only guide of his life. Is your
following daily, continuous? Even when in the horizon one foresees the threat
or nightmare of other voices or ideologies which try to snatch us from
communion with God?
iv) In the meditation
of today’s Gospel two other verbs emerged: we will never be “lost, damned” and
nobody will be able to “snatch” us from the presence of Christ who protects our
life. This is the foundation and motivation of our daily assurance. This idea
is expressed in such a luminous way by Paul: “For I am certain that nothing can
separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other
heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the
world above nor the world below – there is nothing in all creation that will
ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ
Jesus, our Lord” (Rm 8,38-39). When between the believer and the Person of
Jesus is established a relation made by calls and listening, then life proceeds
assured to attain spiritual maturity and success. The true foundation of this
assurance lies in discovering every day the divine identity of this Shepherd
who is the assurance of our life. Do you experience this security and this
serenity when you feel threatened by evil?
v) The words of Jesus
“I give them eternal life” assure you that the end of your journey as believer,
is not dark and uncertain. For you, does eternal life refer to the number of
years that you can live or instead does it recall your communion of life with
God himself? Is the experience of the company of God in your life a reason for
joy?
3. ORATIO
a) Psalm 100, 2; 3; 5
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
b) Final Prayer:
Lord, we ask you to manifest yourself to each
one of us as the Good Shepherd, who by the force of the Paschal Mystery
reconstitutes, animates your own, with your delicate presence, with all the
force of your Spirit. We ask you to open our eyes, so as to be able to know how
you guide us, support our will to follow you any place where you want to lead
us. Grant us the grace of not being snatched from your hands of Good Shepherd
and of not being in the power of evil which threatens us, from the divisions
which hide or lurk within our heart. You, oh Christ, be the Shepherd, our
guide, our example, our comfort, our brother. Amen!
4. CONTEMPLATIO
Contemplate the Word of the Good Shepherd in
your life. The preceding stages of the Lectio Divina, important in themselves,
become practical, if orientated to lived experience. The path of the “Lectio”
cannot be considered ended if it does not succeed to make of the Word a school
of life for you. Such a goal is attained when you experience in you the fruits
of the Spirit. These are: interior peace which flourishes in joy and in the
relish for the Word; the capacity to discern between that which is essential
and work of God and that which is futile and work of the evil; the courage of
the choice and of the concrete action, according to the values of the Biblical
page that you have read and meditated on.
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