Scripture Reflection - April 26, 2026

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6 1 Peter 2:20b-25 John 10:1-10

"I Am the Good Shepherd."

Here in Ireland, sheep are ubiquitous. They can be particularly annoying when you’re trying to navigate challenging country roads. They will suddenly dodge out of hedgerows into your lane, only to turn direction, several times before figuring out which way they want to go.  At a distance, they are lovely to watch, grazing gracefully on a lush green hillside. Up close, however, is another story.  They can acquire great girth, are unintimidated by “our kind,” and can stubbornly squat down for a nap of indeterminate duration, unmoved by car horns, shouts or pleas.

Today’s readings use the metaphor of sheep to say something about God as the “Good Shepherd,” and us as “Good Sheep”. Putting aside the reality that “modern-day shepherding” involves harmless dyes of various hues to distinguish one herd from another, and well-bred sheep dogs to protect as well as guide sheep, there is something tender about today’s readings that is worth a reconsideration.

In Jesus’ day, shepherds were simple field folk who lived day and night among the flocks entrusted to them. Their proximity to the sheep and their wet-wooly odors made the poor shepherds socially marginalized and disdained. They endured exposure to inclement weather, had to sleep in moist and insect-infested fields, forage for food, and were vulnerable to aggressive attacks by flock predators, both humankind and “other kind.”

Most contemporary “shepherds,’ however, are far from the fields.  The “business” of shepherding is done through computer programming, Excel sheets, and sophisticated security surveillance systems. This modern-day style of shepherding is, of course, what prompted Pope Francis’ unforgettable reprimand regarding clericalism in the Church by reminding all ordained ministers that they should have “the smell of the sheep on them.”

But the sheep metaphor of the readings today is also a reminder to all of us to consider the quality of our lives and care for one another.

In other words, we are all called today to develop and contribute to a culture of intimacy, community, and care for one another that is characteristic of the Gospel ministry of presence described in the shepherd metaphor today.

Today’s Gospel asks us to consider how much proximity do we have to those whose lives, social status, or needs leave them alone and vulnerable?

How do we move closer to the people who have a right to our care, and a need for our love, friendship, and compassion?

To what extent would they recognize our voice if we called out to them today?

Do we have the courage and faith to be close to them? Can we, would we, defend them against the predators of all ilk that are increasingly threatening their lives?

What does this kind of shepherding call forth from us? Personally, and Collectively?

Today, as we reflect on these readings and the metaphors they carry, the invitation is to ask ourselves, where and how might I be challenged to grow my capacity to be “a good shepherd?”

As I reflect on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, what comfort, challenge, or call am I hearing? What is my response?

Sr. Arlene Flaherty, OP