Fourth Sunday of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

On this fourth Sunday of Easter, our readings remind us to have courage in living our lives in accordance with the Gospel. In the first reading, Peter is addressing the Sanhedrin, the group that had earlier condemned Jesus. Imagine the tension as Peter proclaims to this group that there is no salvation through anyone else other than Jesus. Peter continues by quoting Psalm 118:22 and informs them that the “stone,” which they had rejected, has become the “cornerstone.” If we are looking for a courageous proclamation of faith in front of a hostile audience, it would be difficult to find a better example than Peter before the Sanhedrin in today’s first reading. Today’s Gospel reading contains Jesus’ description of himself as the Good Shepherd. In this passage, Jesus indicates that a good shepherd “lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11), which is a reference to Jesus’ willing participation in the Passion. While we are all familiar with the analogy of the good shepherd, as I read this passage my thoughts were drawn to the reference to the “hired man” that follows. Jesus contrasts this man to the good shepherd and describes him in the following passage “A hired man who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches them and scatters them.” (Jn 10:12)

There is value in considering who is being referenced as the “hired man.” Peter’s statements to the Sanhedrin would suggest that they acted in a manner that would have fit the description of what Jesus referred to as the “hired man” in the Gospel reading. For political gain, they rejected and condemned the cornerstone. In contrast, Peter stands before this hostile audience and, without reservation, proclaims that Jesus has been raised from the dead.

While we can obtain value from considering Peter’s speech to the Sanhedrin and Jesus’ reference to the “hired man” in the context of history, we might be able to obtain a more personal understanding of the events of today’s readings by considering to whom these passages are addressed. Peter’s comments are directed to each of us just as forcefully as they were directed to the Sanhedrin. As we know, the Passion occurred to reconcile each of us with God, not just those who condemned Jesus. Yet, at some point in our lives, each of us has rejected the cornerstone. We know that even Peter denied the cornerstone, yet, there he stands, before the Sanhedrin, without fear, proclaiming the Gospel.

It is likely that we each frequently find ourselves in a situation where we must choose whether we will adopt the behavior of the “hired man” or respond in a courageous manner like Peter before the Sanhedrin. Even if our past conduct has been closer to the “hired man” than to Peter, it is never too late to act courageously and reject fear. Peter’s own life provides us an example of such a progression.

- John Sperino