Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41; 1 Pet 2:20b-25; Jn 10:1-10
We are on the fourth Sunday of Easter and with this we are halfway on our pilgrimage from Easter to Pentecost.
The first reading invites us to join Peter in urging people to repentance and conversion. For him, conversion is not a change of religion, but it is all about transformation of heart. the second reading reveals one of the characteristics of a converted heart, that is of being courageous in times of suffering, of which Jesus is the perfect model. In all our good and bad times, we have with us Jesus the Good Shepherd who cares, protects and gathers us together. As sheep belonging to his flock, he invites us to open our spiritual ears and listen to his voice so as to be led by him.
Today’s liturgy invites each of us to become good shepherds in our own little way. We are called to imitate Jesus our prime model in order to become good and genuine shepherds.
As good shepherds we are called to seek the welfare of others with care and concern, especially the poor and the needy. As shepherds we are expected to be channels leading and bringing people to God in our own way.