Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Alleluia, Christ is risen! As we continue to celebrate Easter, we hear the story of the early Church. Last week we heard of Stephen’s martyrdom, and today we learn that some believers were scattered by the subsequent persecution (led by Saul, who became the apostle Paul after his conversion). The gospel message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was so exciting and so joyful that these believers simply could not keep it to themselves. They fled persecution, but they continued spreading the word of this Messiah. They even began to share it with Gentiles, like the Greeks, who had not been awaiting a Messiah as had the Jews. And yet, through the grace of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit, these Gentiles also came to believe. We have this beautiful line from the Acts of the Apostles that, “it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26).
It is obvious that there was something distinct about the disciples’ beliefs and way of life. They were no longer associated with a Messianic movement of Judaism, but they began to have their own identity as Christians. The disciples did not simply blend in to the people around them. They may have looked similar and spoken the same languages. They certainly ate, drank, and slept like those around them. Some of them worked normal jobs (Paul was a tent-maker). But they stood out, too. Not only for their sacrifices and steadfast faith, but also for their happiness and joy in the risen Lord and their eagerness to share this message.
But if these disciples – and we today – are able to be called “Christians,” it is only because we were first called by Christ. In today’s gospel passage from John we continue to hear Jesus using the imagery of sheep and shepherd. To be Christian is to be called by Christ our shepherd, to hear his voice and follow him, and to be known by him. We are called as Christians to receive the gifts freely given to us by God, who so loved the world that he gave his only Son. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” says Jesus in today’s reading (Jn 10:28).
In the face of those who challenged Jesus, who doubted that he was the Christ, Jesus identifies himself with the Father, the giver of every good gift. As we hear these words today, we should take comfort in them. Despite the challenges we face, despite our persecutors and naysayers, despite our own struggles with sin, we can acknowledge Jesus’ voice and follow him as our shepherd. We can accept our calling as Christians and know that if we continue the struggle, we will always be protected by our Good Shepherd.
As people who want, like those disciples in Antioch, to be called Christians, we must always keep in mind our call from Jesus our shepherd. As this Easter season continues, let us strive to discern the voice of Jesus in the everyday events of our lives. Today, let us reflect on how Jesus is calling us to live out our identity as Christians.
- Maria Morrow