Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Every Sunday Jesus draws us here, as a shepherd draws his flock. “My sheep hear my voice,” he says in today’s Gospel, “and they follow me.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He feeds his flock, with his own Body and Blood. He loves his flock, suffering and dying for us. He provides for his flock by sending us the Holy Spirit. At home in the comforting embrace of our Good Shepherd, we join together today in thanks and praise.
 

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

When Paul and Barnabas returned to the synagogue in Antioch, “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” Our turnout today may not rival theirs, but we hear the same comforting message that Jesus came to bring salvation to all. In Revelation, John describes his vision in which the Lamb shepherds people of every background to a place of life and joy. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that he—the Good Shepherd—gives his flock eternal life. With the eagerness of the people of Antioch, let us listen to the word of the Lord.
 

Reflections

• We love getting an “exclusive invitation” to join a group. It makes us feel special. Some folks in Antioch in Pisidia may have felt that way, for Acts says “they were filled with jealousy” when “almost the whole city gathered” to hear Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:44–45). The apostles’ practice of preaching in synagogues was drawing the wrong element to their spiritual home! It’s a natural instinct, but it’s not the one Jesus desired. Not only did Jesus reject exclusivity, he commanded his disciples to make disciples of all nations. In Revelation, John’s vision too features a great multitude “from every nation, race, people, and tongue” (7:9) standing before the Lamb on the throne. We are called to welcome, not exclude.

• Jesus was just a few weeks old when the same passage from Isaiah that Paul and Barnabas quote was proclaimed in his presence. Then it was the elderly visionary Simeon, who, taking Mary’s baby into his arms, called him “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). Paul and Barnabas have taken up that mantle, becoming instruments to spread salvation to the ends of the earth.

• How appropriate that we hear this Gospel passage on Mother’s Day. Jesus compares himself to a shepherd, guiding and protecting us. He promises the sheep of his flock that he will forever hold them securely in his hand. How fortunate we are who have had mothers who have guided us, protected us, loved us, and held us, who have treated us with the tender loving care of the Good Shepherd.
 

Question of the Week

How can I be the kind of person to shepherd someone else?

-from Pastoral Patterns

LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, May 8th, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Easter.

SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, May 8th, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Easter.