Fourth Sunday of Easter - Year C
April 17, 2016
Gospel: Jn
10:27-30
Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and
they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish (*).
No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is
greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father
and I are one.”
(http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041716.cfm)
The difficult words
(*)To perish is to die.
This week’s spotlight
The Shepherd
The Jews in Jesus' time would often see a shepherd
watching over his sheep or goats. With a good shepherd, the flock is safe and
has everything it needs. The Bible uses the image of the shepherd leading his
flock to speak about people who exercise power; a king for example. But the
true Shepherd of the people of Israel is God himself.
“The Lamb of God” and the
breaking of the bread
We sing or say "The Lamb of God" during the
breaking of the bread. The Priest breaks the large host into small pieces, just
as Jesus broke the bread, to show that all who partake of the one host become
one body in Christ. Sin divides and eparates us from God, from one another; and
even from ourselves. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away our sins. He heals
us and unites us in love.
Reflection
The face of love
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads us to the Father.
He watches over each of us and calls us each by name. Like Jesus, Christians
take care of one another; they walk together like a large family of brothers
and sisters. Take a look around you: at your parents, your friends, the adults
who surround you and are responsible for you. Look at all those faces of people
who love you and respect you.
They take care of you, they guide you, and help you to
grow. Their love reflects the love of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd.
Discussion questions
1.How does Jesus describe his sheep?
2.What does Jesus promise to give his sheep?
3.Who are Jesus’ sheep?
4. How does Jesus love and care for you?
5. Do you trust Jesus to guide and protect you?
6.What does Jesus say about himself and the Father?
Praying after Communion
After
receiving Holy Communion,
you can say this prayer silently to yourself. If you
have not yet
received your First Communion, you can still say this prayer because of your desire to
receive Jesus.
Father, through Jesus, in
communion with the whole Church, I thank you for coming into my heart. When I
am feeling lost and afraid, help me to turn to your Son. He is the Good
Shepherd, who came to find us and lead
us to you. Help me to listen to his voice and to always be faithful in
following him.
Puzzle
