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Note: The e-sermon was recorded last year in Anand.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (B) 29 April 2012
HE IS WITH US
John 10, 11-18
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| Rev. Fr.Valentine de Souza S.J |
The first Christians did not feel this way. The figure of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, soon became the most popular image of Jesus. He was already depicted in the catacombs of Rome carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders. No one thinks of Jesus as a dictatorial pastor who monitors and controlls his followers, but as a good shepherd who takes care of them.
The “Good Shepherd” looks after his sheep. It’s his first characteristic. He never abandons them, for his life is closely linked to theirs. He always cares for the weakest or the most sick. He is not like a hired shepherd who flees to save his life when he senses danger. The hireling deserts the flock because the sheep don’t matter to him.
Jesus was unforgettable. The Gospel stories show him caring for the sick, the marginalized, the children, the helpless and forgotten, those lost beyond hope. He’s not worried about himself. He’s always seen thinking of the others. The most destitute concern him deeply.
There’s something more. “The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep.” It’s the second characteristic. The Gospel of John repeats these words six times. Jesus’ love for people has no limits. He loves others more than himself. He loves all with the love of a good shepherd who does not flee expecting danger, but gives his life to save the flock.
For this reason, the figure of Jesus, “the good shepherd”, soon became a message of strength and confidence for his followers. Christians learnt to pray to Jesus with words taken from Psalm 22: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want… even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me… Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”
We Christians often have a rather poor relationship with Jesus. We need to have a more lively and intimate experience of him. We do not believe he cares for us. We forget we can approach him when we are weak and weary, or lost and confused.
A church made up of Christians who relate to a poorly known Jesus, believed in through doctrines alone, a distant Jesus whose voice is not strongly heard in communities… is in danger of forgetting her shepherd. But who will take care of the Church, if not her Shepherd?
Source: URL of José Antonio Pagola's Buenas Noticias Web site: http://sanvicentemartirdeabando.org
For this reason, the figure of Jesus, “the good shepherd”, soon became a message of strength and confidence for his followers. Christians learnt to pray to Jesus with words taken from Psalm 22: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want… even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me… Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”
We Christians often have a rather poor relationship with Jesus. We need to have a more lively and intimate experience of him. We do not believe he cares for us. We forget we can approach him when we are weak and weary, or lost and confused.
A church made up of Christians who relate to a poorly known Jesus, believed in through doctrines alone, a distant Jesus whose voice is not strongly heard in communities… is in danger of forgetting her shepherd. But who will take care of the Church, if not her Shepherd?
Make the Good Shepherd known
Source: URL of José Antonio Pagola's Buenas Noticias Web site: http://sanvicentemartirdeabando.org
Jose Antonio Pagola, vgentza@euskalnet.net , San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain.
English Translation by Valentine de Souza S.J. Mandal, Gujarat , India.394650
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