mamabishop: Fourth Sunday of Easter

The Collect

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Lesson Acts 2:42-47

Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; *

I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down

in green pastures *

and leads me beside still waters.

3 He revives my soul *

and guides me along right

pathways for his Name's sake.

4 Though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death,

I shall fear no evil; *

for you are with me; your rod

and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You spread a table before me

in the presence of those who trouble me; *

you have anointed my head with oil,

and my cup is running over.

6 Surely your goodness and mercy

shall follow me all the days of my life, *

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The Epistle 1 Peter 2:19-25

It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

The Gospel John 10:1-10

Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Sheep are not the smartest animal in God's kingdom. They get lost, wander easily and are easily distracted. They need tender, attentive care. They do not thrive on their own. We humans are often like sheep and Jesus even refers to us as his flock, and he as the good shepherd. Years ago, in Ireland, we watched as a shepherd worked with his border collie. The dog would dip and dive, according to the commands and whistles of his master, rounding up the sheep, despite their trying to go another way. They eventually were brought into the fold, where their supper was waiting. They could have missed a meal and security without the help of the shepherd and his trusty dog. We too, often need help finding our way to the table and to our security in the fold.

Creator God, you name us and call us

we are your flock and you tenderly care

bringing us safely into each new day

and feeding us with your loving arms.