The Fourth Sunday of Easter – Cycle “B” for our Readings -  Gospel: John 10: 11-18                                                                                      

This Good Shepherd Sunday is being celebrated in millions of Christian congregations worldwide today, because many Christian denominations use the same lectionary that we do: they use the same Scripture texts, often with different translations. In listening to this Gospel, we learn many reasons why Jesus became SO beloved as the Good Shepherd. We would do well to figure out WHICH Good Shepherd qualities MOST appeal to us, and WHY they appeal to us. This will come in handy for those prepared to move from thinking holy thoughts to taking holy action. 

In the mystery of God’s loving plan, we never know where the next great example of a Good Shepherd, that is, someone who is following Jesus, our One and Only Good Shepherd, will appear: some grandparents/relatives are acting on behalf of the Good Shepherd as they are raising the children of other family members, some of who are suffering with drug and alcohol addictions. Other people are stepping up as shepherds by self-sacrificing their skills and to take care of people who are COVID sufferers, or those who are covering shifts for those who’ve fallen ill themselves. Still others have donated frequent flyer miles, to help get sick people around the US to doctors and specialists; in that case, the Good Shepherd has provided them wings to fly, and a chance to grow healthier. And still others are shepherds because they are present and faithful, loyal and protective of others, making sure that old and young alike are being fed nourishing food to keep body and soul together. These are promise-keepers who, as leaders, have pledged to keep their flock safe. Now, imagine if a whole town or whole community stepped up into appropriate leadership roles, laying down their lives like Christ, to help the rest of the flock become more stable and secure. 

Well, in our lifetime, a book and a musical production entitled “Come from Away” captures the true story of what happened following the Sept 11, 2001 attacks in NY, DC and Pennsylvania. Planes were diverted from JFK and other NY area airports, and 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly in the Canadian town of Gander, in the province of Newfoundland. This initiative became known as Operation Yellow Ribbon. As the story unfolds, it details how the people of this little town housed and fed the 7,000 stranded travelers. And it serves to remind ALL of us of our capacity for human kindness, even in the darkest of times. It also reminds us, as Christian listeners to this true story that contains some fine Beatitude-themed episodes, that with Christ Jesus, risen from death to new life, we as the flock of God DO triumph over the hatred, which is cultivated by people who prefer the darkness to Christ’s eternal Light. 

We do well to remember that Jesus WAS once the stone the builders rejected; now HE is our cornerstone. Although his Cross identified him as King o d Jews, Jesus was nonetheless rejected by chief priests, elders and scribes of Judaism;  yet 2000 years later, we are here as signs that Jesus’ message has borne good fruit in us. Yes: Jesus was rejected: and if you have ever been rejected for a team, a job promotion, or new position, or rejected by a person or group, know that Jesus UNDERSTANDS what you’re feeling because He has BEEN THERE already. Let us open the windows of our heart, mind and soul to Jesus, so that as we follow HIS example, he will help us to get thru our struggles. AND if we listen well, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd will show us a DIFFERENT way to use and share our skills. So, let us ask ourselves once again this afternoon: which qualities of the Good Shepherd do you both admire, and want to include in YOUR Christian response to God, others, and yourself. 

Let the risen Christ show us how to best put our shepherding skills to work, so that we learn to rise above any self-centeredness that confines and limits us, opening us instead to the ongoing love which draws us closer to the heart and mind of Jesus. Be not afraid, my Shepherd brothers and sisters: Jesus goes before us always. Let us follow him, so that we might have his wisdom, mind, and heart. And just as Jesus always provided for the needs of his flock, may today’s Eucharistic feast bring healing and strength to us all.