Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: Traditionally, the fourth Sunday of Easter has been called "Good Shepherd Sunday" because the Gospel in all three cycles is taken from the tenth chapter of John, in which Jesus uses the image of a shepherd to describe his relationship to us. In the first reading Peter stresses the importance of repentance and baptism for those who want to participate in the salvation won for us by Jesus. In the second reading, Peter seeks to give meaning to the sufferings of Christians. In the gospel, Jesus uses the images of Good Shepherd and Sheepgate to describe his ministry.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before of after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Jesus’ death revealed humankind’s complicity with evil and God’s immeasurable love for humankind. Duly convinced of their own sin and of God’s love for them, Peter’s audience is "deeply shaken" and asks, "What must we do?" Peter tells them that they must "Repent, be baptized, receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit who is given for you and for all who are afar off".
In the Gospel Jesus speaks about the Good Shepherd. In this reading, Peter is showing himself to be a good shepherd by trying to save people from "a generation gone astray".
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 23
In this well-loved psalm, the psalmist expresses a tremendous trust in God, our Good Shepherd.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2:20b-25
In this reading, Peter is addressing slaves who have become Christians. He does not condemn the evil institution of slavery. He simply takes it for granted as Christians did until quite recently. Accepting that slavery was going to be around for a long time and that some slaves would continue to become Christian and continue to suffer, Peter seeks to help them find some meaning in their suffering. He sets before them the example of Jesus who also suffered unjustly. Jesus’ attitude toward suffering was: if done for the right reason or motive, it could drastically change lives. A suffering servant could effect changes in the lives of those inflicting the hardships and pain.
GOSPEL: John 10:1-10
This gospel follows chapter 9 of John in which the Pharisees are depicted as blind leaders. They not only fail to recognize Jesus as the "Light of the world" but they excommunicate from the synagogue the blind man who did recognize and accept Jesus.
In this gospel, Jesus replaces these blind guides and assumes leadership of his flock. He is the Good Shepherd who does not abuse his flock by tossing them out; rather he lays down his very life for them. His willingness to put his life at risk for his followers makes Jesus a much more qualified leader than the Pharisees who are "thieves and robbers" who do not really care for the sheep.
Jesus also speaks of himself as the "Sheepgate". Jesus, as the Sheepgate, is the divinely constituted and sole avenue to the Father. As the sheepgate, Jesus will provide safety for the flock by fending off threats of danger. Jesus also provides food for the hungry by opening the gate onto pastures of plenty.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1) What verse, idea or image spoke to you and why?
2) In the second reading, Peter seeks to give meaning to the sufferings, which slaves had to endure. How helpful would Peter’s words be to you in a time of suffering?
3) Which stanza of Psalm 23 speaks to your heart the most? Why?
4) What qualities do you hope to find in the shepherds of your parish? How can you be a good shepherd to the people in your life?
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Name one way you can act on God’s word found in these readings. Suggestion: Be there for someone going through a tough time.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for all who are suffering and for their caregivers. ©