Fourth Sunday of Easter • Year B
But Jesus gives us an example of a good shepherd. That is our call to relationship with Christ and through him, with the Father. The good shepherd commits to sacrifice for the sake of others, which of course we understand that Christ has done for us. But we are called to emulate that in our lives. St. Augustine, in his commentary on this gospel, would tell us, “whoever enters the sheepfold (the church), let them enter and preach the true Christ, and not only let him/her preach the true Christ, but also seek Christ’s glory, not their own. By seeking their own glory they have scattered Christ’s sheep instead of gathering them.” That is the challenge we are to consider as we reflect on today’s gospel.
Third Sunday of Easter • Year B
Jesus, ever the teacher, follows a pattern of behavior following his resurrection that is instructive. It both enlightens his disciples as to what has transpired and positions them to be commissioned as witnesses of those events. The pattern is this: appearances, failure to recognize him, reprimand of doubting, sharing of food, teaching the meaning of the Scriptures, and the subsequent experience of wonder and joy. This pattern has one goal: Resurrection followed death. Jesus’ insistence on this fact is pronounced: “Touch me and see, for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
Second Sunday of Easter • Year B
With everything going on in the world today, I believe we can all relate to the post-Resurrection experience of the early disciples. Their faith had been shaken during the arrest, crucifixion, and death of Jesus. Now many of them have trouble seeing and believing in the presence of the risen Lord.
We too may doubt, question, or even miss noticing the power of the Risen Christ at work in our world today, especially when we feel overwhelmed by the violence, natural disasters, and many evils that surrounds us.
Easter Sunday • Year B
Perhaps, as they run, a lot is taking place in their minds and hearts. Think about it, they have just witnessed this entire “holy week.” From the triumphant arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna!”, to the Last Supper and betrayal, to Good Friday which brought humiliation, condemnation, and, ultimately, execution. Understandably, there must be despair, hurt, hardship, grief, and confusion all at once. And it’s in mixed emotion that they run toward this tomb, not knowing what has happened. And they run anyway. Pulled and propelled by hope: hoping that something good has happened, hoping that Jesus may, just might, have risen, hoping as they run.
Palm Sunday • Year B
Jesus the Christ understands; he knows what it is to be human. You might remember that the Gospel a few Sundays ago noted that Jesus “did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” That’s why he lovingly, mercifully sticks with us for the long haul. That’s what helps us make our way through the contrasts, the ups and downs of life, highlighted so starkly on this Palm Sunday. It really can feel like a roller coaster sometimes, can’t it? But Jesus proves that the ride is infinitely worthwhile!
Fourth Sunday of Lent • Year B
Today’s readings pour out an abundance of love. In the middle of this season of obedience through austerity, sacrifice, fasting, and charity, today’s scriptures boldly remind us of the depth and the breadth of God’s love for us. In fact, John’s Gospel quenches all of our human longing for acceptance, belonging, respect, and love. John’s Gospel tells us that actions of our prompt devotion and hopefulness of our eager faith find fulfillment in our lifelong love affair with the Creator of the Universe. Fewer words in scripture frame the mind of God and the incarnation of Jesus with such clarity and magnanimity as we hear today:
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
