1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP -
2. -- Dennis Keller OP -
3. -- Fr. John Boll OP -
4. --
5. --(Your reflection can be here!)

******************************************************
1.
******************************************************

******************************************************
2.
******************************************************

Fourth Sunday of Easter

May 11, 2025

Acts 13:14, 43-52; Responsorial Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14-17;
Gospel Acclamation John 10:14; John 10:27-30

This Sunday’s readings continue describing the growth of the Church, the renewed and inclusive Israel. Jewish leadership portrayed in Acts continues to insist on adhering to the status-quo and tradition that failed to foretell the Messiah as other than a military leader. The apostles’ announcement of the resurrection did not make it through their power and pride. Paul and Barnabus shake the dust from their sandals and move on to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

The prophecy of Isaiah in the second book of that prophet projected the Kingdom of the Messiah would be first presented to those practicing the Law of Moses, the Jews. From there it would be offered to the Jews of the diaspora. Diaspora Jews were those exiled as a result of losing wars with the Assyrians and the Babylonians. Following that invitation to the Chosen People, the Kingdom of God would be offered to all the nations of the world. This first reading this Sunday points out that many Jews accepted Jesus as the Messiah. There were other Jews who violently rejected the message. Before this preaching in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas had spoken in the synagogue in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas’s first preaching moved those Jews and God-fearing gentiles. They shared their enthusiasm with the whole city. The following Sabbath, many more gentiles and Jews gathered to hear about Jesus and his ministry and death and resurrection. The leaders of the synagogue were jealous of the great crowd and sought to stone Paul and Barnabus. That is when they went outside the city and shook the dust of the city from their sandals.

The second reading is from the book of Revelation. It describes paradise following the second coming of Jesus, the end of time. The vast multitude beyond human ability to count are from every tribe, nation, language, color, gender, and languages. All are robed in white and carry palm branches. The vision of John is a reenactment of the feast of Tabernacles, a.k.a. Succoth. It was a feast in celebration of harvest. During this celebration, the Jews built temporary huts. These temporary huts were a reminder of their ancestors’ time in the desert after their liberation from Pharoah. This was at the time of agricultural harvest. Nations that wander do not have time to harvest from the seeds they plant. A settled people celebrate the harvest. The reminder of temporary dwelling and permanent harvest encapsulated the Hebrew experience of liberation and the establishment of a permanent home. In this reading in Revelation, God is the permanent place where the harvest of a well-lived life is enjoyed. Succoth witnesses to God’s presence both in uncertain times and in settled times. In the context of this Sunday’s message, the vast throng is made up of a gathering of all people on the earth. There is no room for racism in this gathering.

The gospel reading settles it all. This is Jesus the Good Shepherd. The sheep who listen to him have eternal life, follow in the way of Jesus, and are not lost. Those who cannot hear the Good Shepherd want their Messiah on their own terms. Their stubbornness blocks the message. The message cannot get through the hardness of their hearts. They cannot hear him and do not have eternal life and are lost. Belonging to the Kingdom of God comes from to a heart unhampered by idolatry or imagined gods. To hear with an open heart means to seek the intention of the speaker. This is hearing that rejects one’s prejudice. With prejudice out of the way, the message of Jesus can work its miracle.

Jesus is the good shepherd. The flock that comes to him searches for his presence in God’s creation, in other persons, and in the events that happen. In listening to the Lord, we discover peace, we lose our fear, we have a home. To belong to Jesus’ flock is to become a disciple, learning from the Master.

Dennis Keller Dennis@Preacherexchange.com
 

******************************************************
3.
******************************************************
 

******************************************************
4.
******************************************************

******************************************************
5.
******************************************************
Volume 2 is for you. Your thoughts, reflections, and insights on the next Sundays readings can influence the preaching you hear. Send them to preacherexchange@att.net. Deadline is Wednesday Noon. Include your Name, and Email Address.
-- Fr. John