REFLECTION FOR 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C.
by Rev. Fr. Sylvanus Ifeanyi Amaobi
(1st Reading, Acts 13:14,43-52; 2nd Reading, Rev. 7:9,14-17; Gospel, John 10:27-30)
My dear brothers and sisters, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
THE MISSIONARY ACTIVITY OF THE APOSTLES
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 13:14, 43-52) presents us with the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas continued their missionary journey from Perga to Antioch in Pisidia, preaching the Gospel of Salvation in the synagogue to the faithful. The seed of the Gospel they sowed through preaching brought many to conversion.
However, some of the Jews rejected the Gospel and refused to believe the message of Paul and Barnabas. They persecuted and expelled them from their territory. This attitude did not deter nor discourage Paul and Barnabas; instead, they turned to the Gentiles to continue their missionary activities because they realized that they were also called to be light to the Gentiles and an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.
CALLED TO PARTICIPATE
We are all called to participate and continue in the missionary activity of the apostles. Like Paul and Barnabas and indeed all the apostles, we are also called to be a light to the Gentiles. We are challenged to let our light shine before men in such a way that they would see our good works and glorify our Father, who is in heaven (Mt. 5:16).
We are all called to be instruments of salvation to the ends of the earth. To be instruments of salvation, we are challenged to feed the flock of Christ with the food of life, the word of God, as Jesus Christ enjoined Peter (Jn. 21:17) and us. (The Gospel message of last Sunday)
JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD
In the Gospel reading (John 10:27-30), Jesus Christ tells us that He is the good shepherd who knows His sheep, and they follow him. He feeds them, takes care of them, nurtures them, pastures them, and bandages them. He protects his sheep from danger, and no one can take them out of His hand. Christ promises to give His flock eternal life, and they shall never perish.
It is a special honor and privilege to be counted among the flock of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us be grateful and eternally thankful to Him who, in His graciousness, has counted us as His own. We shall be one with Him and with the Father and remain in the sheepfold if we continue to listen to His voice as our Good Shepherd.
HE LEADS HIS PEOPLE TO SPRINGS OF LIFE-GIVING WATER
The Psalmist in Psalm 23 verse 2 aptly portrays the Lord as a shepherd who leads His people to still waters to restore their souls. This shows God's love, guidance, and provision. The Lord leads His people to places of peace and refreshment, offering them a sense of tranquility and spiritual well-being. This magnificent act of God upon His people does not end in this world but follows to the world beyond.
In the vision of John, as read in the second reading, he saw a great multitude from every nation, race, people, and tongue, wearing white robes, holding palm branches, worshipping God, and singing victory songs because they survived the time of great distress, and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
The One who sits on the throne, the Lamb that was slain, the Messiah, will shelter and shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water. He will provide for them so they will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will they suffer anymore. Let us remain in the sheepfold of our great and good shepherd, Jesus Christ, in order to be assured of sustenance and victory.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!