May 16, 2011
Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
As I began to speak, the holy Spirit fell upon them as it had upon us at the beginning, and I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.' If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?" Acts 11:15-17
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. John 10:16-17
Piety
As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. My being thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and see the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, as they ask daily, "Where is your God?" Psalm 42:1-4
Study
The theme of the role of The Good Shepherd which began with the readings in Mass Sunday continues today. The added dimension from John’s Gospel is Jesus explaining that he has sheep which do not belong to this fold – in essence, his call goes beyond the Jews to the Gentiles. Peter carries out that mission further in Acts when he preaches to the Gentiles despite the objections of some of his followers.
Too often, in life and in the church, we encounter people who have all the answers. Yet certainty was in short supply in the New Testament. Jesus struggled with his mission as he prayed in the garden the night before his execution that the cup pass from him. Peter also struggled mightily. He denied Jesus. He challenged Jesus. He doubted. He had times when he lad little faith. Yet despite these – maybe because of these – he was chosen as a leader.
The Peter we encounter today was blessed with a vision that guided him to preach to the Gentiles. Without this intervention from the Holy Spirit, how would his humanity alone have guided Peter?
Action
What is it that gives you certainty? The Bible? The Constitution? Our national borders? EWTN? The Billboard Top 40? Sometimes, those who hold an opposing viewpoint approach that conclusion with equal certainty.
The approach that Jesus the Good Shepherd gives us to imitate is one of humility. Jesus knows he must also lead those who are not Jews along with those who will arrest, condemn and kill him. He casts his net over this wide flock with equal love for all.
Jesus knows that the most popular view is not necessarily the only way to look at a question.
Challenge yourself to study an issue about which you have certainty. How do the teachings of the church challenge you? Visit the USCC site and check out what the church teaches about capital punishment or immigration or any of the other issues listed under the “Life Issues” tab on the Bishops’ web site: www.usccb.org.
