Homily For The Fourth Sunday Of Easter Year B.

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Acts 4:8-12; Psalm 118:1.8-9.21-23.26.28-29; 1 John 3:1-2; John 10:11-18.

“BE A GOOD SHEPHERD!”

By: Rev. Fr. Charles Onyeka Ezejide.

·      Today the church celebrates the 4th Sunday of Easter. Within the context of today's celebration, the church reflects on the role of a good Shepherd while praying for the increase of genuine vocation to the priesthood and religious life. Christ remains our good and chief Shepherd. We must also remember that for there to be a shepherd there must be a sheep.

·      On this fourth Sunday of Easter, when we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, Jesus teaches us about authentic leadership. He sees himself as the model by using the image of the good shepherd. He takes care of his flock. He leads his sheep to green pastures; he seeks out the lost sheep; and if needed, he is even ready to die for the sake of his sheep.

·      A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. He is not afraid when there is danger nor abandons his flock to take cover. Christ the good shepherd defends and protects the sheep entrusted to his care and leads them into green pastures and restful waters.

·      In the gospel reading (John 10:11-18), Jesus excellently fits the description of a good shepherd. His death on the cross was our death, he spent his life that we may live. He continues to watch over us and protects us from the imminent danger that the world throws at us. He sacrifices everything he is for our everything.

·      Jesus is our chief shepherd who always defends and pleads our course. He is not like the hireling who will flee in the face of danger but stands strong as our helper ever close at hand in times of despair and distress. He is always ready to lay down his life for our sake. He is our strong defender and our shield.

·      In the gospel reading, Jesus expressly remarks that other sheep are not of this fold and must be brought to heed the voice of God. So that there will be one shepherd and one flock. How do we hope to bring other sheep into the fold?

·      We too must imitate Christ in being a good shepherd. It is in the way we treat those around us that they will be attracted to the flock of God. We have different roles to play based on our different positions in life. As a father, be a shepherd of good examples and a proper guide to your children. As a wife be a good shepherd of home-making and proper mentorship. As a child, you are also a good shepherd by your obedient and respectful reactions to the instructions of your parents and superiors.

·     The role of a good shepherd is by no means exhaustive, it involves leadership by example, sacrifice, compassion, humility, availability, accessibility, trust, confidence, etc. In this way, the sheep can conveniently listen to our voice.

·      In the first reading (Acts 4:8-12), St. Peter takes on the role of a good shepherd over the apostles and the early Christian community in guiding and directing them along the right path. He is fearless in speaking the truth in defense of the faith of the early community in the fact of the resurrection.

·      Jesus Christ the rejected and crucified one has risen and in his name, signs, and wonders are accomplished. He has become the cornerstone of our lives and those who have come to believe in him testify to his goodness just like the cripple at the beautiful gate.

·      Hence for all of us who desire God’s healing mercy and testimony, we must let him in like the cornerstone of our lives. We must profess our faith in his resurrection knowing that since Christ now lives especially as our good shepherd, no danger will ever engulf us.

·     In the second reading (1 John 3:1-2), St. John makes us understand that Christ took upon himself the role of a good shepherd out of his infinite love for us and the whole of creation. This love is eternal on the part of God, but we must be careful not to lose track or fall away hence he warns us “Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn. 3:2).

·      As Christians and followers of Christ, we must commit today to be good shepherds to those entrusted to our care no matter the level and situation. We must be prepared to make sacrifices and become good guides to those around us but that can only be possible if we make Christ the cornerstone of our lives.

·      The Psalmist invites us to take Christ more seriously and let him be the life principle of our existence and accomplishments. Hence, daily we must ponder on the fact that “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Ps. 118:22).

·      May the good Lord bless his word in our hearts through Christ our Lord, Amen!

·      Happy Sunday!!!

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