Fourth Sunday of Easter
Readings:
Acts 13: 14, 43-52
Apocalypse 7: 9, 14-17
John 10: 27-30
Reflection:
Today, in Acts, we hear the evolving story of how the Good News is being shared beyond Judaism. Paul and Barnabas experienced challenges as some accepted and delighted in hearing the word, while others rejected the message. This is still the experience of Christian missionaries in many places, so perhaps today, we could be mindful of and pray for all who minister in hostile situations that they will know when to speak boldly and when to shake off the dust!
Our second reading provides us with a vision of people of all nations and languages being held as one in the presence of God, delighting in the experience of oneness. An ideal we dream of and hopefully journey towards as we move into a new moment in our journey as God’s people?
In my experience of ministry, I have always been aware of how important it is to remember names. It makes for connection and relationship as people feel valued. The image of Jesus as the Shepherd in today’s Gospel assures that we are each known by name and therefore called to be in relationship with a strong sense of belonging.
Let us rejoice in this gift and carry it forward into our daily encounters and pray too for Pope Leo XIV who is called on to Shepherd the Church in a way that speaks of mercy and compassion.
Sr. Brigid Murphy CP, Sisters of the Cross & Passion, Melbourne