Now, I’m a Brooklyn boy and don’t easily relate to the image of a shepherd with sheep. But I've blessed many house pets in my ministry. Which reminds me of a story.
A German Shepherd, a goldendoodle and a domestic cat died. All three faced God, who asked what they believed.
The German shepherd replied, "I believe in discipline, training and loyalty to my master." "Good," said God. "Sit at my right side."
The goldendoodle replied, "I believe in the love, care and protection of my master." "Aha," God said. "Sit to my left."
Then God looked at the cat, and asked, "What do you believe?"
The cat gave God a slow blink and said, "I believe you are sitting in my seat." Now there's one huge difference between dogs/cats: dogs have owners; cats, staff.
Circling back to the Word of God, we hear about Peter and John in the Acts of the apostles. Both were arrested for doing a good deed.
Peter courageously proclaims that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone or foundation of a new age and that we have access to God’s triune life through Jesus. The author may be asking us whether Jesus is indeed the center of our own lives, our way, our truth, our life and our light.
In the Gospel, we have the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The crowds in the time of Jesus could easily relate to shepherds and sheep. The job was dangerous. Shepherds had to deal with wild animals -- wolves -- and also outlaws.
The shepherd’s dedication to the sheep inspired the biblical writers to speak about God as a good shepherd. Thus, in ancient Israel, the psalmist sang: “The Lord is my shepherd.” Like the good shepherd long ago, Jesus cares for the weak and helpless, heals the sick, seeks out the lost sheep and brings back the stray.
Yes, even more: He lays down his life for his sheep. He includes those we might call "outsiders" and says there will be one flock. We may be wondering: where are the “good shepherds” today?
Yes, the Word of God today gives us much to think about. I would like to zero in on the Letter of John, which speaks about our future. We shall see God as God is; we shall be like God.
The author of the letter says God is our Father and we are children of God and as such, we are called to do the will of God in our everyday life! But how?
For some people, the “will of God” is vague and ambiguous and unclear to them? But I don’t think so. I believe we do the will of God by being faithful in our relationships and responsibilities, by doing the best we can in our everyday activities.
If you’re working to pay the bills, and making time to be with your family, especially when your children need you, you’re doing the will of God.
If you are overwhelmed caring for a sick family member and you try your best to make a loving home, blessed are you. You’re doing the will of God.
If you happily volunteer to work for a not-for-profit, shop for a homebound neighbor, help a youngster with homework, blessed are you.
If you refuse to take shortcuts that compromise your integrity and ethics, refuse the rationalization that “everybody does it,” blessed are you.
If you struggle to discover what God asks of you in all things; if you try to seek God’s presence in every facet of your life and every decision you make; if your constant prayer is not “give me” but “help me to do this,” blessed are you. You’re doing the will of God.
If you spend time listening and consoling others who look to you; if you manage to heal wounds and build bridges; if you can see the good in everyone and seek the good for everyone, blessed are you.
If you try to understand the perspective of the other person and manage to find a way to make things work for the good; if you love the unlovable and forgive the undeserving , blessed are you.
If your faith puts you at odds with some people, if you refuse to compromise basic principles, blessed are you as you’re doing the will of God. And in the end, heaven will be yours.
Monday, April 22, is the start of Passover. Let us take to heart the Seder prayers of our brothers and sisters. Among those verses are:
"We thank you God for the gift of Festivals for joy and
holidays for happiness, among them this day of Passover,
the festival of our liberation, a day of sacred assembly
recalling the Exodus from Egypt.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe,
who has kept us in life, sustained us, and enabled us to
reach this season."
My friends, the Word of God invites us to think about many opportunities to do a good deed on our earthly journeys. Jesus calls us to eternal life and asks us not only to seek the will of God but to do the will of God in our daily lives. May God grace us to do so with joy. Amen.
