Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
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HOMILY REFLECTIONS -JOHN 10:1-10 - 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER
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Introduction: Do We Hear the Shepherd’s Voice
This fourth Sunday of the Easter Season is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday because in each of the three lectionary cycles, the Gospel reading invites us to reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd – a beautiful metaphor for his leadership, as well as a model for all Christian leadership in our churches today.
The relationship between the sheep and the shepherd is based on familiarity. Sheep recognize their shepherd and his voice – and will not follow a stranger. Sheep trust the shepherd. Follow his lead into the sheepfold at night and into the pasture by day. They are protected and safe with him at their side.
How can I discern God’s call for me?
What is God leading me to?
Do I find the time and space to hear his voice?
When his audience (the religious leaders) did not understand his metaphor about his being the Good Shepherd, Jesus tried another metaphor: the gate. At the end of the day, shepherds lead their sheep from pastures to a common gated area called a sheepfold. There one shepherd protects all the sheep until the next day when each shepherd returns to lead his own sheep to pasture.
In this metaphor, Jesus states that he is the gate. “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” The function of the gate is to keep the sheep together in the sheepfold during the night, safe from thieves and predators. During the day, the gate is opened so that the sheep can go out. In these two metaphors, Jesus is both the gate and the shepherd at the same time.
The ideal of a caring shepherd is even more vivid when we are told that the custom was for the shepherd himself to sleep crouched at the entrance of the sheepfold. In other words, the watchful shepherd was literally the “gate.”
How has Christ been a gate in my life?
What door of change am I currently going through?
I would invite you to read and ponder the words of this Sunday’s Gospel: John 10:1-10
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted/challenged you?
Further Reflections:
If we look at what a physical door does, the use of this “gate image” to connect with the sacred becomes apparent. A physical door is a means of access to another space. The divine door is also an accessible passage – opening the way to the Holy Mystery that continues to beckon us. Christ is that door/gate who offers safe, protective passage to the inner life – to a rich spirituality and fullness of life. Day by day, we pass through the Door of Love. And as we continue our faith journey throughout our given lifetimes, this Gate/Door of Christ always stands open as a grace-filled passageway. Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom and courage to open the door!
Doors can both frighten and invite. While the thought of going in may be enticing, the actual process can feel much like that in Margaret Atwood’s poem, “The Door.”“The door swings open, you look in.It’s dark in there, most likely spiders;nothing you want.You feel scared.The door swings closed.”Having fear is understandable. Much depends on what we think is on the other side. Perhaps we question whether we want or are able to accept the changes bound to come if we unlock and open the door to the Risen Christ who calls our name and invites us forth. Our willingness to go in rests on our courage and trust in this Christ who is Savior, friend, and fellow traveler. May we not be afraid. Take a deep breath. Unlock the door. Reach slowly for the handle and swing wide the door to the smiling Jesus – who wants the very best for you and me!A Prayer for this week:“Happy is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting besides my door.” -Proverbs 8:34
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
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