Scripture Reflection - May 11, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday

First Reading: Acts 13: 14, 43-52

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 100: 1-2, 3, 5

Second Reading: Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

Gospel: John 10: 27-30

Paul and Barnabas initially delight the people of the synagogue in Antioch with their preaching, until the following sabbath when they draw large, diverse crowds and arouse the jealousy (and fear?) of the “old guard.” The reaction of the established community is complicated, but from our contemporary perspective, we may surmise that it includes jealousy of their guest preachers’ popularity, and fear that the inclusive vision of salvation that they are promoting is, well, too inclusive. Yet, Paul and Barnabas, holding fast to the vision, shake the dust and move on to proclaim good news to the Gentiles, while never ceasing also to proclaim it first in the synagogue of each town they visit. While venturing out to the peripheries, they do not cease to preach to the center.

The conflicts described in our first reading are mirrored in the church in every age, and they are never limited to worship and doctrine; rather, they collude with cultural enmities and political factions, always leaving victims in their wake. Witness the church divide today over Christian support for government gutting of programs serving the needs of the most vulnerable in our own country and around the world, as well as funding for institutions in service of truth. In the second reading from Revelation, John’s vision points toward the eschatological triumph of the faithful from every nation and race who have endured great trials such as these, as they are welcomed at the throne of the glorified Lamb, who is also their Shepherd. This diverse throng sings praise, reflecting the psalmist who issues a universal summons to sing God’s praise. With it comes a summons to “know God,” whom we only know through the Creator’s works in the world. And God who creates is always caring for and shepherding the creation, gathering in every lost fragment.

Jesus’ identification as Good Shepherd in today’s gospel illuminates his intimate relationship with his followers as well as with his Father and Creator of all. It is an inclusive image, evoking the Trinitarian union of diverse Divine Persons at once encompassing and permeating all of creation. In this season of Resurrection rejoicing, we are empowered by the Spirit of the Risen Christ to begin to embody this mosaic image of God – this image of union in and through diversity.

Our embodiment of the new life of God’s reign is always fragmentary, always partial, always in process. But let us commit to it in hope, step by step during the Pilgrimage Pope Francis invited us on in this Jubilee Year of Hope!

Sr. Kathleen McManus, OP