The Strength of the Shepherd

We have been so enriched during this Easter season with beautiful gospels.   We experienced the doubt of Thomas and the Lord’s peace on Divine Mercy Sunday. We traveled the road to Emmaus with the two disciples of the Lord, who shared bread with Him on their journey. We receive consolation and further peace when we hear the story of the good shepherd on the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

There is nothing more beautiful than the image of the Lord carrying the sheep on His shoulders. The image shows compassion, caring, strength and even docility. There is something so dichotomous about the image of the shepherd. Within him there is strength and a commitment to his flock. Yet, he shows a softness and gentleness in supporting that sheep.

What an image for us to reflect on! What amazing words from John for us to consider: “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” (10:11)

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Rejoice and Be Glad

I always love singing the responsorial psalm for Easter Sunday: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” (Psalm 118) The psalm reminds us that “The right hand of the Lord has struck with power; the right hand of the Lord is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.”

What we are asked to do is not focus on things of the earth but rather on what is beyond. In the gospel for Tuesday of Easter Week, we receive another reminder from John. He tells us that Mary Magdalene was weeping near the tomb looking for her Lord. In that beautiful scene, she discovers the risen Lord and calls him “Rabbouni” (teacher). The Lord tells her: “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. “

What does all this mean for us? Are we not to hold on to the Lord? Maybe we are supposed to do things differently now that He has risen from the dead. He has accomplished what he set out to do—he has fulfilled the plan for our redemption. What must we do now?