Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
In the recent daily scripture readings, we have been working through the book of Acts. This book has always intrigued me. It is full of lively accounts of the activities of the first Christians and their attempts to live out the gospel. It also recounts the astonishing ways that the Christian faith spread through the action of the Holy Spirit. Although I find this book fascinating, I also sometimes wonder what this book can have to say to us in our times, since our world is very different than the world which Jesus’ apostles and early disciples inhabited. It seems to me that the scripture readings for today provide an answer to this question.
The first reading talks about the way that the gospel was spread throughout the known world by the apostles in the early years of Christianity. This is a story of the faith and the courage of people such as Paul, Barnabas, and many others. Jesus’ followers continue to witness to his message despite being persecuted and reviled by those around them. The reading states that Jesus’ followers first come to be called ‘Christians’ at Antioch.
The gospel reading continues the theme of the Good Shepherd that we encountered in the gospel this past Sunday. There Jesus stated that he was the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10, v. 11). In the reading for today, Jesus makes a promise. Referring again to himself as a shepherd, Jesus says that his sheep “shall never perish . . . My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand” (vv. 28-9). Jesus’ words provide comfort to his disciples. Those who follow him will not be disappointed. They will receive eternal life by following him.
When I reflect on the first reading in the light of the gospel reading and vice versa, it occurs to me that there is a deep connection between us and the apostles in the book of Acts, for we are all trying to follow Jesus. We are sheep who have heard the voice of the Shepherd and we are following him. I am then led to think of the way that Jesus’ message was spread by his followers through friendship with other people. I begin to ask myself what opportunities I have to share my faith and my life with others. Jesus’ message of hope is something that I can share with those around me through what I say and do, by how I relate to others on a daily basis.
Given everything that is happening in the world today, I am aware that this is a time when people need the help and support of each other in a significant way. I pray that I will take Jesus at his word when he promises eternal life to those who follow him, and I pray that God will give me opportunities to share my life with other people.
- Joel Schickel