Fourth Sunday of Easter 2024

Psalm 23 & John 10:11-18

Rev. Neli Miranda

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as the Good Shepherd Sunday. It was Pope Paul VI who instituted this celebration in 1964 in view of the crisis in the decline in numbers of the new vocations, both in seminaries and convents. This day was established as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations or Vocation Sunday and is celebrated not only in the Catholic church but also in other Christian traditions like the Anglican church.

It is customary on this Sunday to read the Gospel passage of the Good Shepherd and other related lessons like Psalm 23.   Since biblical times, the shepherd’s role has been associated with the leaders of the people, particularly with the religious leaders who guided the people in their spiritual life. And traditionally, Christian leaders have been considered shepherds of the people in our world.  Shepherding is one of human’s oldest occupations, even before agriculture.  Very early in the book of Genesis, we learn that the ancient Hebrew people descended from a family of shepherds: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Rachel.   Before becoming a king, David also herded goats and sheep. The job of a shepherd meant dedication and, above all, love for the flock. Shepherding required protection, provision of food and water, guidance and direction, care and healing, and even giving your life for the sheep.

The image of a shepherd held great significance and was so valued that based on their experiences the people identified God as their shepherd. In Psalm 23, one of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible, King David, speaking from his own experience, calls God his Shepherd. King David speaks poetically of God’s care, guidance, and provision.  David’s imagery evokes a sense of intimacy and personal care. He recognizes that with the Lord as his shepherd, he lacks nothing. The images of the green pastures and quiet waters speak of a state of tranquility, refreshment, and nourishment. The Lord is also David’ shepherd in the face of danger and adversity. The Lord gives him protection, comfort, and healing. In this psalm, David expresses his confidence in God’s love and faithfulness, and in God’s unfailing presence and provision. David concludes with the anticipation of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever, which expresses David’s hope to be in eternal communion with God.  Certainly, David had experienced the Good Shepherd’s guidance, provision, and protection and lived under the care of the Divine Shepherd.  How have you experienced the presence of the Divine Shepherd in your life?

The prophets also spoke of God as a shepherd. They highlighted how God guided, cared for, and protected the people of Israel. Some of the prophets also denounced the leaders and rulers who were called to be shepherds of the people but had failed to fulfill their call.  The prophets condemned the oppressive and exploitative practices of those leaders who instead of guiding the people, had abused, led them astray, and announced that God’s judgment would come upon them. In contrast to those evil shepherds, the prophets spoke of the hope of a future messianic shepherd who would gather, lead, and care for God’s people. That would be Jesus, who identified himself as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament.

In John’s Gospel chapter 10, Jesus assumes his shepherd’s role to the last consequences, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (10,11).  Jesus and his disciples lived in a turbulent world with many leaders but few shepherds (like today). Many leaders of that time—the hired hand—including the religious leaders only sought power, money, and fame but were not willing to care for the people, especially those in need, those threatened by the different issues of that time: hunger, diseases, discrimination, wars, violence… In contrast, Jesus presents himself as the One sent by God; the One who feeds and heals the people, the One who loves his people so much that he is willing to lay down his life for them.  Jesus also declares the intimate and endearing relationship with his sheep, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me…” (10,14). Do you know this Good Shepherd? Do you recognize his voice? Do you follow him? Can you feel his presence amid sickness, adversity, danger, and threat?

Today, in a world, where there are many sheep without a sheep, Jesus calls us, his disciples, to be shepherds following his example. Are we fulfilling that role? And how are we fulfilling our shepherding role today? How are we embodying Jesus’ care in our world? Only from our intimate relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, can we live our mission of shepherding in our world. Only when we have experienced Jesus’ love, compassion, and healing can we shepherd others. We are good shepherds only, as we experience Jesus in our life.

Some of Jesus’ disciples have been called to positions of leadership, and in our Christian communities they are recognized as bishops, priests, and deacons.  May these leaders follow Jesus’ example, may they not be just hired hand but the shepherds that Jesus wishes for his people. 

Very soon our Diocese will elect a new bishop, a new shepherd. Let us pray for a wise election, let us pray that the new bishop will be above all, a good shepherd.  Let us pray also for new vocations in our midst to continue our Christian mission of shepherding God’s people. Amen.