Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
In modern life it is often difficult to remain focused on our task as Christians. This is especially true during those times when we encounter stress, hardship, suffering, struggles, and opposition. At times such as these doubts naturally arise and we may question what the point is of following Jesus. The readings for today help to reinforce the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in such a way that provides reassurance in times of doubt, suffering, or trouble.
The gospel reading for today continues the theme from Sunday and yesterday of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. Jesus says that those the father has given him are his sheep and that he will look after them. The emphasis here is on God’s provident care of his people. It is not so much that we choose God but rather that God chooses us. This is sometimes referred to as ‘election.’ And it is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. Think of people like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, and David in the Old Testament, and Mary, Peter, and Paul in the New. God came to them first, but they responded with faith. Jesus not only reaffirms that those who have been placed in his care will be taken care of but he also promises that no one can take these ‘elect’ away from him.
A second theme in the gospel reading is faith. Jesus is asked by the Jews whether or not he is the Christ. This is a reference to the question of whether or not he claims to be the Messiah. It is also a request for proof that he is something more than a great teacher. But those who ask it are not seriously considering becoming Jesus’ disciples. Instead, they are testing him to see what he will say. And because of this Jesus responds by saying that his identity should be known to them, given the signs he has performed. He has done what he can to reveal himself. It is now up to those around him to respond by choosing either to follow or not to follow him. At some point one has to leave off questioning and respond. Jesus makes it clear that he thinks those who are confronting him are at that point now. If they do not respond to what he has done so far, then what more can he do?
There is a lesson in this for us as well. We can ask ourselves at what point do we give up testing God and instead commit our lives to following him?
Jesus’ words in the gospel for today have three results. First, they give us assurance that we will never be forsaken by Jesus and that if we have faith we will not be lost but instead we will gain eternal life. Second, they present a challenge and a spur to us in times of doubt. We have been given everything we need to believe. It is now up to us to be faithful. Third, Jesus’ words challenge us not only to believe but to allow this belief to translate into action—to follow Jesus by doing what he is calling us to do. Let us pray today for the grace to allow ourselves to be shepherded by Jesus whatever life will bring.
- Joel Schickel