Our Sunday Reflections

CLICK HERE for the Audio recording of the Readings of
May 3rd, 2020.  Fourth Sunday of Easter.

CLICK HERE for the Readings of May 3rd, 2020.  Fourth Sunday of Easter.  

SELECT HERE for the Audio recording of Fr. Anthony's Reflection.

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Join Fr. Anthony as he reflects on his memories from his childhood days through his life's journey from Uganda to Lunenburg...

"This also gives you the impression of what Church and faith are to me, my family and the people from the area I grew up."  -Fr. Anthony   READ MORE

May 3rd, 2020.  Fourth Sunday of Easter.  
 

Peter stood up, raised his voice...
They were cut to the heart…Those who accepted his message were baptized, about three thousand persons were added that day 

Acts of the Apostles 2: 14, 37, 41

Shepherd or Thief?

Three thousand persons baptized in a day!

What are we not doing right today? Do you know how that makes me feel?  You are lucky today if you get five baptized in a year!
 
The first Christian community, described in the Acts of the Apostles, was a flourishing church. This first church experienced an explosion of membership.  Lots of new people, especially Gentiles, joined in droves. But why? Yes, it might have been the prominent figures we hear- Peter, Paul, John.  Maybe other factors we do not know, but there is one thing that really lead to this rapid expansion.  It was the ‘doings of God’.  The Spirit of the Risen Lord (Holy Spirit) led the growth of the Church (God is at work!)
 
When Peter stands up and raises his voice to proclaim, it is more than him- he is ‘moved’ by the Spirit., and because of these words deeply move his listeners – ‘Now when they heard this: they were cut to the heart’ (Acts of the Apostles 2: 37).  What did he say?  ‘God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified’.  This means nothing probably to today’s listener, but to Peter’s audience, this was powerful.  You see, they knew Jesus well!  They (Jews) had killed him!  He who had preached in their towns and villages, this they knew!  He who had healed the sick and fed the poor, this they knew and had seen!  Some among them accuse him falsely, and he is put on trial and hung on the cross wrongfully, this they knew!  They knew that He had risen and the tomb was empty!  Many had seen him appear again!  Peter and his companions are now performing miracles in his name.  All this they knew!
 
But, what moves them the most is his crucifixion.  This act of self-renunciation!  He renounces his life for others. He does this with no self-motive or self-interest...to give up one’s life for another (a stranger)!  The power and sheer witness of Jesus suffering and dying does not need words! It is one of those Actions that speak louder than words! This is what cuts to the heart!
 
We have all seen the images on television of people in Europe and now here in the US, applauding the health workers on the frontline of the pandemic. Doctors, Nurses, EMT’s, chaplains, hospital cleaners etc. These put their lives at risk that us the general public might be safe. They risk infecting their families! They risk dying themselves. To put one’s life literary in danger is not an everyday thing! True renunciation is a powerful witness. Many of us cannot do this! We choose to save ourselves!
 
When was the last time you renounced anything for another?  When the last time you did this not to get noticed or thanked or get anything in return?  When did you take the pain (and it even cost you dearly- insults, loss, despised,) to sacrifice for another?  And this ‘other’ was not your family or relative, friend, buddy or anybody close to you in anyway?  Selflessness is powerful and is the best Christian witness.
 
In John’s Gospel today, Jesus is the good Shepherd. This image is prevalent in the Scriptures. Shepherd meant one who leads.  He leads his sheep to abundant pastures.  The sheep listen to his voice.  He opens the gate and they follow his lead.  They will not follow a voice that is not his. The shepherd has another role also: He is guardian, protector and liberator of his flock. He will do anything; even give up his life for his sheep.
 
The opposite of a shepherd is a ‘thief’ (other names are: robber, mercenary, marauder).  This means a false leader.  He leads only to exploit, to use others for his advantage.  He is interested only in self-enrichment. Those who follow this kind of leader are lost because they are led by a ‘thief’.
 
There seems to have been a tension in the gospel author’s community that he wanted to address.  He uses this imagery to urge his listeners to choose to follow Christ, the good shepherd, one who is a true real shepherd, ready to his life. He urges the community to follow leaders like this.
 
There is choice before all of us who listen to today’s readings: Be like the true shepherd (Christ) or be like the ‘thief /marauder’.  Live a life that is about more than you!  Enrich others, refuse to fleece others.  Reject using others for self-accomplishments or to self-serve.  Serve without cost.
 
The spirit of the Lord is ready and eager to work through you if you allow first to adapt, shepherd like qualities.

A Blessed week in the Lord

Fr. Anthony



View the below video for another Reflection on the readings.