Community in the Storm

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to step out amid the storms of violence and hatred on our journey and witness to the love and support of Christ for people in peril.

Christ in the Curves

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents growth in the Church at Antioch.

* [11:19–26] The Jewish Christian antipathy to the mixed community was reflected by the early missionaries generally. The few among them who entertained a different view succeeded in introducing Gentiles into the community at Antioch (in Syria). When the disconcerted Jerusalem community sent Barnabas to investigate, he was so favorably impressed by what he observed that he persuaded his friend Saul to participate in the Antioch mission.

* [11:26] Christians: “Christians” is first applied to the members of the community at Antioch because the Gentile members of the community enable it to stand out clearly from Judaism. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 87 is a song of Zion.

* [Psalm 87] A song of Zion, like Ps 46; 48; 76; 132.

* [87:2] The gates: the city itself, a common Hebrew idiom.

* [87:5–6] The bond between the exile and the holy city was so strong as to override the exile’s citizenship of lesser cities. (Psalms, PSALM 87 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims His relationship to the Father at the Feast of the Dedication.

* [10:22] Feast of the Dedication: an eight-day festival of lights (Hebrew, Hanukkah) held in December, three months after the feast of Tabernacles (Jn 7:2), to celebrate the Maccabees’ rededication of the altar and reconsecration of the temple in 164 B.C., after their desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Dn 8:13; 9:27; cf. 1 Mc 4:36–59; 2 Mc 1:18–2:19; 10:1–8).

* [10:23] Portico of Solomon: on the east side of the temple area, offering protection against the cold winds from the desert.

* [10:24] Keep us in suspense: literally, “How long will you take away our life?” Cf. Jn 11:48–50. If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly: cf. Lk 22:67. This is the climax of Jesus’ encounters with the Jewish authorities. There has never yet been an open confession before them.

* [10:25] I told you: probably at Jn 8:25 which was an evasive answer.

* [10:29] The textual evidence for the first clause is very divided; it may also be translated: “As for the Father, what he has given me is greater than all,” or “My Father is greater than all, in what he has given me.”

* [10:30] This is justification for Jn 10:29; it asserts unity of power and reveals that the words and deeds of Jesus are the words and deeds of God. (John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Becky Nickerson celebrates that they welcomed our first grandchild, Jackson, to the world. It didn’t take long, and Jackson knew their voices. And they, in return, listened to his every sound and movement and knew him as well.

The Lord’s voice is steady and leading us. Do we always listen to it? Nope. Sometimes we may flat-out ignore it. Yet when the world gets “noisy,” or we are impatient and waiting for God to answer, we sometimes need to listen closer. God’s voice is there. And we know God’s voice. 

In my several years of research on the topic of belonging, I have learned that belonging is an active term. It requires active engagement, trust, vulnerability, and intentionality. Belonging, while personally and individually determined, often encompasses being seen (for all aspects of who we are), heard, and affirmed. It involves feeling connected, valued, and known. 

In the embrace of the Lord, we have a place of belonging. That too is active. “No one can take them out of my hand.” God knows each of us by name. We belong with and to God. Today, amidst the “noise” of your day, I invite you to listen closely and intentionally, resting in the assurance that you are known, you belong, and you are loved. (Nickerson, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Great might of Christ's hand,” by Clement of Alexandria, 150-215 A.D.

"The faithful also have the help of Christ, and the devil is not able to snatch them. Those who have an endless enjoyment of good things remain in Christ's hand, no one thereafter snatching them away from the bliss that is given to them. [No one can throw them] into punishment or torments. For it is not possible that those who are in Christ's hand should be snatched away to be punished because of the great might Christ has. For 'the hand' in the divine Scripture signifies 'the power'" It cannot be doubted therefore that the hand of Christ is unconquerable and mighty to all things." (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 11:19-26 comments on an adage that says, “God writes straight with crooked lines.” But what can you do when all that you can see is the bend in the road?

Start by reminding yourself as you face that curve: God always has a plan in mind. Hold fast to what you know, despite what you can’t see. Those early believers, though hounded out of Jerusalem, continued to proclaim the good news. In the same way, you can continue to love and serve the Lord, wherever you are, whatever has happened. Cling to the truths you know, even as you wait for God to show you the next steps he has planned for you. As you pray, listen for the Lord’s gentle encouragement. He will help you negotiate all of life’s curves.

“Lord, I can’t see where you’re leading me, but I trust that you will work out your good plan for my life.” (Meditation on Acts 11:19-26, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, God has the message spread even to Antioch where Gentiles are converting. Barnabas and Paul go to Antioch. Now in Antioch they take the name “Christian” as they follow the Messiah, Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is at the feast of Dedication and He continues to speak about how the sheep will hear His voice. In John, the Father has sent Jesus into the world and He offers an eternal life that will never perish. Friar Jude proclaims that Life in Christ offers so much love that even if we die, we will continue.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, responds to a sermon, in which the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry considers how Jesus sustains us in the storms of life.

When it was darkest, when it was most uncertain, Peter … saw a figure coming toward them…. It was Jesus. He was walking on the water. And Peter, without even thinking, says, “Lord, if you bid me come to you, I’ll come to you!” And Jesus says, “Well come on, brother.” Peter jumps out of the boat and starts walking on the water, heading toward Jesus, and he actually did it. He just saw him, he said, “Lord!” He kept walking. “Lord! It’s you!” Reverend Curry offers an African American spiritual, pointing to the faith of people in crisis:

Then, he looked around, and it was a serious “uh-oh” moment. And the text says … that when Peter looked at the wind and the waves and saw the storm around him and lost his focus on Jesus and focused on the storm, that is when he began to sink.

Remember the song …

I got my hand on the Gospel plow
Wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now
Keep your eyes on the prize
Hold on, hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize
Hold on

Oh, I bet that there’s some wisdom here, because in Matthew’s version, I want you to notice that the storm doesn’t stop. This is not a story about Jesus calming the sea. The storm rages on. But if you want to know how to walk through a storm? Keep your eyes on the prize. Keep your eyes focused on this Jesus, on his teachings, on his spirit. Abide with him, dwell with him, live in him. And when you live in him, guess what? He will start living in you….

That’s how Peter walks on water. To throw yourself into the arms of Jesus … and hold on. (Rohr, n.d.)

We may find ourselves in a struggle with the storms of life and we implore the Spirit to remind us that we are not alone and if we Stop, Take a breath, Observe, and Proceed with the support of Christ, all will be well.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/11? 

John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/10?22 

Meditation on Acts 11:19-26. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/28/1551908/ 

Nickerson, B. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-28-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 87 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/87?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Keep Your Eyes on the Prize. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/keep-your-eyes-on-the-prize/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). My Sheep Hear My Voice. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shepherd Care for All

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to respond to the prompting of the Spirit to invite the people in our environment to accept the care of the Good Shepherd.

In the Care of the Shepherd

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the Baptism of the Gentiles is Explained.

* [11:1–18] The Jewish Christians of Jerusalem were scandalized to learn of Peter’s sojourn in the house of the Gentile Cornelius. Nonetheless, they had to accept the divine directions given to both Peter and Cornelius. They concluded that the setting aside of the legal barriers between Jew and Gentile was an exceptional ordinance of God to indicate that the apostolic kerygma was also to be directed to the Gentiles. Only in Acts 15 at the “Council” in Jerusalem does the evangelization of the Gentiles become the official position of the church leadership in Jerusalem.

* [11:3] You entered…: alternatively, this could be punctuated as a question.

* [11:12] These six brothers: companions from the Christian community of Joppa (see Acts 10:23). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 42 longs for the divine presence that Israel experienced in the Temple liturgy

* [Psalms 42–43] Ps 42–43 form a single lament of three sections, each section ending in an identical refrain (Ps 42:6, 12; 43:5). The psalmist is far from Jerusalem, and longs for the divine presence that Israel experienced in the Temple liturgy. Despite sadness, the psalmist hopes once again to join the worshiping crowds.

* [42:1] The Korahites: a major guild of Temple singers (2 Chr 20:19) whose name appears in the superscriptions of Ps 42; 44–49; 84–85; 87–88.

* [42:3] See the face of God: “face” designates a personal presence (Gn 33:10; Ex 10:28–29; 2 Sm 17:11). The expressions “see God/God’s face” occur elsewhere (Ps 11:7; 17:15; cf. Ex 24:10; 33:7–11; Jb 33:26) for the presence of God in the Temple.

* [42:5] The shrine of the Mighty One: this reading follows the tradition of the Septuagint and the Vulgate. (Psalms, PSALM 42 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, the good shepherd discourse continues.

* [10:1–21] The good shepherd discourse continues the theme of attack on the Pharisees that ends Jn 9. The figure is allegorical: the hired hands are the Pharisees who excommunicated the cured blind man. It serves as a commentary on Jn 9. For the shepherd motif, used of Yahweh in the Old Testament, cf. Ex 34; Gn 48:15; 49:24; Mi 7:14; Ps 23:1–4; 80:1.

* [10:16] Other sheep: the Gentiles, possibly a reference to “God’s dispersed children” of Jn 11:52 destined to be gathered into one, or “apostolic Christians” at odds with the community of the beloved disciple.

* [10:18] Power to take it up again: contrast the role of the Father as the efficient cause of the resurrection in Acts 2:24; 4:10; etc.; Rom 1:4; 4:24. Yet even here is added: This command I have received from my Father. (John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock comments that Pope Leo’s Easter homily had many words of wisdom that helped her name the impact of feeling threatened and overwhelmed. Pope Leo names the many threats we are collectively experiencing.  Internal threats such resentments, worries, and loneliness. And the many external threats we are witnessing (and sadly at times perpetuating), including violence, injustices, partisan selfishness, and the idolatry of profit.

In today’s Gospel from John, Jesus reminds us he is the good shepherd who chooses to lay down his life for his sheep.  I hear a call to action in his words as he reminds us that we can choose to follow his example by reaching out to those who might not belong in the fold, hoping they hear his voice.  The image of Jesus as the shepherd is the opposite of the individualism that is a force in our society and of the transactional nature of many “hired man” relationships.

In this Easter Season, let us be inspired for a new beginning by the words of Pope Leo:

Death opens us up to a hope that never fails, to a light that never fades, to a fullness of joy that nothing can take away: death has been conquered forever; death no longer has power over us! (Brock, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes Green pastures and still waters, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The pastures that this good shepherd has prepared for you, in which he has settled you for you to take your fill, are not various kinds of grasses and green things, among which some are sweet to the taste, some extremely bitter, which as the seasons succeed one another are sometimes there and sometimes not. Your pastures are the words of God and his commandments, and they have all been sown as sweet grasses. These pastures had been tasted by that man who said to God, 'How sweet are your words to my palate, more so than honey and the honeycomb in my mouth!'" (excerpt from Sermon 366,3,1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 10:11-18 comments that just as a shepherd knows all his sheep and can recognize each one individually—even though to an untrained eye they all look the same—Jesus knows us uniquely, intimately. He knows our greatest strengths and deepest weaknesses and sins. He knows and loves us so completely that he freely gave his life for us. “No one takes it from me,” he said, “but I lay it down on my own” (John 10:18).

It can feel unsettling to realize that Jesus knows the depths of our sin, but it is also comforting—he looks upon us with great love and compassion. Think for a minute about a painting or a statue of the Good Shepherd that you might have seen. Maybe Jesus has a lamb around his neck, or perhaps he is holding it close to his heart. Hold onto that image as you pray today. Imagine yourself as that lamb. What thoughts or feelings arise as you are held safely in the arms of Jesus, who knows and loves you so fully? What might you say to the Lord? He already knows your cares and burdens, so you can place them in his capable hands. Open your heart to receive the love that the Good Shepherd has for you.

“Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd. Thank you for laying down your life for me.” (Meditation on John 10:11-18, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, Peter returns to Jerusalem after baptizing a God-fearing Cornelius. Peter had a dream of unclean animals and he initially refuses but God declares nothing God creates is unclean and Cornelius has a vision to call on Simon and the Holy Spirit falls on the household. The Church, in Acts, continues to be guided by the Holy Spirit to go out to the Gentiles. The Good Shepherd will protect his sheep even by giving up his Life. John’s Gospel opens in the Temple and leads to his Jesus Passion as a foreshadowing. In John, The Shepherd has to be attentive to the outside forces and inner impulses of the sheep. Friar Jude notes Jesus' proclamation of one flock and one Shepherd and how, in Jesus, all will become one.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, responds to the question, “Why was Jesus not afraid?” To the people of Israel, throughout the prophets again and again, and in every type of cataclysmic situation, we hear: “Do not be afraid.”  Through Isaiah, “Do not be afraid.” To Joseph, the father of Jesus and husband of Mary, “Do not be afraid.” And, of course, to Mary who said yes, the angel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary.”

Why this word over and over again? Because we’re afraid! We’re wrapped and sometimes even trapped in our fear. We want to go beyond it and yet somehow it controls us. We fear what we do not know and do not understand. We fear that what we are afraid of will control us, while we long to control our own lives.

Deep down, we long for freedom, but if we want to be free from fear, we must be willing to gaze into God’s eyes as Jesus did. We must be willing to ask the same questions Jesus was asking. It’s not important that we get answers. I don’t think Jesus got that many answers, but we need to be asking the right questions: What is it that we desire? What is it that we’re trying to protect? What is it that we’re afraid is going to overtake us and control us?

We can’t attack fear head on. We can’t simply say to ourselves, “Don’t be afraid” because it doesn’t work. It isn’t that simple. We have to go deeper, be curious about where the fear is coming from, and trust God with it. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invite the Spirit to inform our contemplation of the role of the Good Shepherd in our spiritual journey and in the mission of believers gathered by the Spirit to “shepherd” His flock.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/11?1 

Brock, M. L. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 27, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-27-2026 

John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/10?11 

Meditation on John 10:11-18. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 27, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/27/1551428/ 

Psalms, PSALM 42 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/42? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Calming Our Fears. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 27, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/calming-our-fears/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Am the Good Shepherd. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 27, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shepherd of Abundant Life

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Good Shepherd Sunday, invite us to act on the experience we have of the love of Christ in our lives to be the present to the people in our environment, welcoming them to the Care of the Shepherd.

A Good Shepherd Legacy

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Peter’s Speech at Pentecost about our Communal Life.

* [2:14–36] The first of six discourses in Acts (along with Acts 3:12–26; 4:8–12; 5:29–32; 10:34–43; 13:16–41) dealing with the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic import. Five of these are attributed to Peter, the final one to Paul. Modern scholars term these discourses in Acts the “kerygma,” the Greek word for proclamation (cf. 1 Cor 15:11).

* [2:42–47] The first of three summary passages (along with Acts 4:32–37; 5:12–16) that outline, somewhat idyllically, the chief characteristics of the Jerusalem community: adherence to the teachings of the Twelve and the centering of its religious life in the eucharistic liturgy (Acts 2:42); a system of distribution of goods that led wealthier Christians to sell their possessions when the needs of the community’s poor required it (Acts 2:44 and the note on Acts 4:32–37); and continued attendance at the temple, since in this initial stage there was little or no thought of any dividing line between Christianity and Judaism (Acts 2:46). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 23 proclaims God as a good shepherd. 

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).

* [23:1] My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11–16; Jn 10:11–18).

* [23:3] Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”

* [23:5] You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in Ps 78:19. In front of my enemies: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Ps 104:15; Mt 26:7; Lk 7:37, 46; Jn 12:2).

* [23:6] Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel. (Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter presents Christians as Suffering Servants.

* [2:21] Suffered: some ancient manuscripts and versions read “died” (cf. 1 Pt 3:18).

* [2:22–25] After the quotation of Is 53:9b, the passage describes Jesus’ passion with phrases concerning the Suffering Servant from Is 53:4–12, perhaps as employed in an early Christian confession of faith; cf. 1 Pt 1:18–21 and 1 Pt 3:18–22.

* [2:25] The shepherd and guardian of your souls: the familiar shepherd and flock figures express the care, vigilance, and love of God for his people in the Old Testament (Ps 23; Is 40:11; Jer 23:4–5; Ez 34:11–16) and of Jesus for all humanity in the New Testament (Mt 18:10–14; Lk 15:4–7; Jn 10:1–16; Heb 13:20). (1 Peter, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims His mission as The Good Shepherd.

* [10:1–21] The good shepherd discourse continues the theme of attack on the Pharisees that ends Jn 9. The figure is allegorical: the hired hands are the Pharisees who excommunicated the cured blind man. It serves as a commentary on Jn 9. For the shepherd motif, used of Yahweh in the Old Testament, cf. Ex 34; Gn 48:15; 49:24; Mi 7:14; Ps 23:1–4; 80:1.

* [10:1] Sheepfold: a low stone wall open to the sky.

* [10:4] Recognize his voice: the Pharisees do not recognize Jesus, but the people of God, symbolized by the blind man, do.

* [10:6] Figure of speech: John uses a different word for illustrative speech than the “parable” of the synoptics, but the idea is similar.

* [10:7–10] In Jn 10:7–8, the figure is of a gate for the shepherd to come to the sheep; in Jn 10:9–10, the figure is of a gate for the sheep to come in and go out.

* [10:8] [Before me]: these words are omitted in many good early manuscripts and versions.

* [10:16] Other sheep: the Gentiles, possibly a reference to “God’s dispersed children” of Jn 11:52 destined to be gathered into one, or “apostolic Christians” at odds with the community of the beloved disciple.

* [10:18] Power to take it up again: contrast the role of the Father as the efficient cause of the resurrection in Acts 2:24; 4:10; etc.; Rom 1:4; 4:24. Yet even here is added: This command I have received from my Father. (John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ, comments that the Gospel of the Fourth Sunday of Easter (John 10:1–10) presents to us the enduring image of Christ as the Good Shepherd, the depth of which could be understood only in contrast to the hired hand. In a world marked today by crises of care and failures of leadership—where institutions falter, conflicts intensify, and the vulnerable are often abandoned—understanding these images becomes not only revealing but deeply challenging.

In a fractured world like today’s, we witness leaders who act as “hired hands”—driven by profit, power, or self-preservation—abandoning their people in moments of crisis. Whether in global conflicts, economic instability, or humanitarian neglect, the “wolves” of fear, injustice, and division scatter the flock, often because compliance is demanded rather than trust nurtured. Yet Jesus reveals a different kind of power: one rooted in humility, care, and self-sacrifice. His authority comforts rather than crushes. The Good Shepherd reminds us: true leadership is not an occupation—it is a vocation of love that gives life.

This Gospel, then, is not only about Christ—it is also about us. In our families, communities, and places of influence, we are called to embody this shepherding presence. To lead not by fear, but by love. To remain when it is difficult. To listen before speaking. To protect rather than exploit. Hence, let us ask ourselves:

In my own context, do I feel like a sheep led together or from the front with presence and courage, or do I find myself as cattle pushed from behind out of fear or convenience?

In my leadership and influence on others, what do I hold in my hands—a staff that guides, protects, and uplifts, or a stick that pressures, controls, and distances?

How actively do I listen and how intentionally do I speak to those entrusted to me—does my voice foster trust, healing, and genuine relationships? (Fernando, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Green pastures and still waters,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The pastures that this good shepherd has prepared for you, in which he has settled you for you to take your fill, are not various kinds of grasses and green things, among which some are sweet to the taste, some extremely bitter, which as the seasons succeed one another are sometimes there and sometimes not. Your pastures are the words of God and his commandments, and they have all been sown as sweet grasses. These pastures had been tasted by that man who said to God, 'How sweet are your words to my palate, more so than honey and the honeycomb in my mouth!'" (excerpt from Sermon 366,3,1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 2:14, 36-41 comments that we might say that the people in Jerusalem that day were like the sheep Jesus spoke about in the Gospel. He is the Good Shepherd who called them “by name” and beckoned them to follow him (John 10:3). “Cut to the heart,” they decided to give their hearts to him. What an appropriate story for Good Shepherd Sunday!

Today, thank Jesus for piercing your heart and filling you with his love. Rejoice that the good news of his salvation has the power to change hearts even now. Then pray for all the people you know who have yet to follow Jesus. Pray that they will be “cut to the heart” and find in that sorrow the greatest joy they could ever know.

“Good Shepherd, I want to follow you all the days of my life!” (Meditation on Acts 2:14, 36-41, n.d.)

Jenny Kraska offers the Lord’s Day Reflection from Vatican News today “ When shepherds meet the Good Shepherd”.

The figure of the shepherd would have resonated deeply with those who first heard these words. A true shepherd knows his sheep intimately – their habits, their fears, even their stubbornness – and remains with them, especially in danger. 

Jesus contrasts this with the thief who comes only to steal and destroy. In a world filled with competing voices and false promises, this distinction remains urgent.

The voice of Christ is not one of confusion or coercion, but of truth, peace, and abundant life. (Kraska, 2026)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts the very end of the kerygma of Peter is proclaimed. This is the story of Jesus sent by God and it queries our response. “What should I do?” The thousands of converts mentioned is likely a scriptural exaggeration. Christians are a small number at this time,  but it indicates success in teaching about Christ. We face the question of how to respond to evil? It must be with love and forgiveness, following Jesus' example. The passage from the Gospel (John 1-10) portrays that we are sheep and Jesus is the Shepherd or the Sheep Gate. Jesus' mission is to reveal how much God loves us. As Shepherd, He protects us from falseness. He knows us by name and resonates with how He calls Mary Magdalene in the Garden. Being called a sheep today is different, like a follower without thought. In Jesus' time, sheep got into difficulty and the Shepherd had to protect sheep from enemies and even its own actions.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on the relationship between anxiety, fear, and faith. The Bible says “Do not be afraid” almost 150 times! If we cannot calmly hold a certain degree of fear and anxiety, we will always look for somewhere to expel it. Expelling what we can’t embrace gives us an identity, but it’s a negative identity. It’s not life energy, it’s death energy.

One could sum up the Bible, and our lives, as an interplay of fear and faith. In general, people are obsessed and overpowered by fears; they fear what they cannot control. God is one of our primary fears, because God is totally beyond us and totally beyond our control. The good news is that God has breached that fear and become one of us in Jesus. Through Jesus, God says, in effect, “You can stop being afraid. It’s okay. You don’t have to live in chattering fear of me.”

The opening chapter of Luke’s Gospel presents Mary as the archetypal Christian because God comes into her life and proclaims the divine presence within her, immediately telling her through the angel, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:30). Through the same divine Spirit, God comes into our lives and announces the divine presence within each of us. All we are asked to do is be present and open. Only after God calls Mary beyond her fear does God give the message of her calling. 

Fear can keep us from hearing what is really being said. Mary’s spirituality is focused on trusting. She said, “Let what you have said be done to me” (Luke 1:38). She doesn’t try to explain or understand. She just says, “I trust you, God. Do with me what you will. Let it be.” [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We reflect on the times on our journey when our fear or uncertainty was healed by our experience of the Presence of the Good Shepherd to restate His Mission that we should have life and have it abundantly as we accept His role to guide us in love.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/2?14 

Fernando, R. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-26-2026 

John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/10?1 

Kraska, J. (2026, April 25). Lord’s Day Reflection: When shepherds meet the Good Shepherd. Vatican News. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-04/gospel-reflection-fourth-sunday-easter.html 

Meditation on Acts 2:14, 36-41. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/26/1550553/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/2?20 

Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Trust in God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/trust-in-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Came That They May Have Life Abundantly. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 26, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/