💖 HOMILY - APRIL 22 💖

First Reading - Acts 11:1-18

Gospel - John 10:1-10

A true leader demonstrates the ability to lead, guide, and protect every member in harmony. Today's readings highlight the picture of our true shepherd, Jesus Christ, who leads, guides, and protects every member of the Church, symbolizing unity, trust, and intimacy.

The first reading gives us a wonderful narration about God's merciful care for even pagans. This passage contradicts a long-standing belief of Jews that God has chosen them alone and condemned others (gentiles and non-Jews). The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household brings fresh vitality to the early Church as a sign from God confirming that He has chosen others as members of a new community. The acceptance of non-Jews was initially opposed by Jewish converts, but after Peter's narration of the incident, they accepted God's will and praised Him for it. This acceptance of Cornelius and his household as members of the Church also paves the way for a new outlook of the Church, open to everyone who comes to believe in Jesus.

The gospel passage provides a detailed account of the characteristics of the good shepherd. Jesus identifies himself with the metaphors of the good shepherd and the gate of the sheepfold. He lists out the characteristics of the good shepherd as the one who comes through the door, knows every sheep by name, calls them by name, leads them out, and the sheep follow him. All the characteristics of the good shepherd point to the intimate relationship built up between the shepherd and the sheep; a relationship of trust.

The second metaphor that Jesus uses for himself is 'the gate of the sheepfold.' This metaphor symbolizes that it is through him and through him alone that people can find access to God. He opens the way to God and to eternal life or fullness of life. Hence, Jesus claims that through him, eternal life is secure and safe for the people.

My dear friends, today's readings confirm the fact that Jesus leads and guides his sheep to eternal life. However, there is no rigid nature of membership to the flock; the gate to the flock is open to everyone who is ready to believe in him. This fact is depicted by the first reading where Jewish converts come to realize that all are invited to faith in Jesus and receive salvation in and through him.

Jesus also explains the nature of the relationship that exists between the shepherd and the sheep; a relationship of trust and intimacy. The shepherd knows his sheep by name, and the sheep recognize his voice, signifying the intimacy and trust that sheep enjoy with the shepherd or that Christians enjoy with Christ. Furthermore, the relationship of trust and intimacy enjoyed by the sheep finds its end in the leading of the sheep to eternal life through the shepherd. We too have an assurance of eternal life through Jesus, who guides, leads, and protects us until we have fullness of life through him.

Let us pray that we may always enjoy an intimate relationship with our good shepherd, Jesus Christ.