Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 7, 2006
BCP: Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezek. 34:1-10; Psalm 23 or 100; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16.
RCL: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18.
In the gospel appointed for this celebration of the Lord’s Day, the declaration of Jesus, “I am the good shepherd,” sets the tone for our prayerful reflection. The risen Lord wills to care for and nurture his people so that we “shall not be in want.” Christ guards and protects us, as with a shepherd’s rod and staff, so that in his care we find comfort and goodness and mercy. This shepherding care is attentive and self-sacrificial. He who protects us “lays down his life for the sheep.” Such care stands in sharp contrast to the neglect of one who “cares nothing for the sheep,” whether a “hireling,” as described in the gospel passage, or one of the ineffective shepherds, to which the prophet Ezekiel likens the leaders of Israel.
But even more is involved in this scriptural image of the good shepherd than careful protection and sacrifice. A familiarity and depth of relationship of the sheep with their shepherd is implied. Jesus says, “I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” Thus, in the collect of the day, we pray that “we may know him who calls us each by name.” This intimacy is beautifully expressed in the first verse of the third chapter of 1 John 3. “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
In this godly bond of affection, we learn to be followers of the Lord and grow in his likeness. In the familiar language of the King James Version of Psalm 23, we proclaim, “he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.” So our prayer is continually that we may “follow where he leads,” and the risen Christ leads us into the same love for one another that he bears for us.
God’s love revealed in Jesus guides us into a life of mutual care and protection, support and guidance. Both the fourth chapter of Acts and the third chapter of 1 John describe this common life in terms of providing care for those in need. Such care is to be Christ-like, hence, self-sacrificing. The language of the epistle expresses this in rather demanding terms: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Jesus Christ, the good shepherd, calls us in love, guides us, guards us, and protects us in his love, gives himself up for us and provides for our needs in love. Following “where he leads,” we will in like manner attend and respond to one another in love.
Look It Up
Sing or read the texts of one or more of these hymns from The Hymnal 1982: 645, 663, 664, and/or 708. Allow this to guide your prayers to the good shepherd.
Think About It
What modern profession embodies the characteristics of a good and caring shepherd?
Next Sunday
Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2006
BCP: Acts 8:26-40 or Deut. 4:32-40; Psalm 66:1-11 or 66:1-8; 1 John 3(14-17)18-24 or Acts 8:26-40; John 14:15-21.
RCL: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:24-30; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8.
