7 Minute Homily for Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

1Peter 2:20b-25

John 10:1-10

 "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly." Jn 10:10

“This is what I am asking you,” he said with emphasis, looking up from his prepared text, “be shepherds with the smell of sheep,” let these words of Pope Francis inspire us as we meditate on the readings of this Sunday of the Good Shepherd.

The First reading, we hear the speech of Peter directed to the Jews who had crucified Jesus together with the Romans. This speech enlightens us to understand the Pentecost event. At the end of Peter’s speech, two tittles are given to Jesus: Lord and Messiah. The speech of Peter also evokes a powerful response. What shall we do?

In the second reading, Peter again encourages the Christians who were facing persecutions to persevere when persecuted for doing good. Perseverance produces virtues. Peter again exalts the redemptive suffering and death of Christ Jesus for our own salvation.

In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the situation of the pharisees indirectly through the figure of speech to establish who is not a shepherd. Let us remember that Prophets had taught that the first act of salvation and restoration was that the Lord would rescue his people from its bad leaders, Ezek 34:10. Then the Lord would take charge and shepherd his flock, Ezek 34:11-16. The Kings of Israel were depicted as bad Shepherds who would endanger the flock, Ezek 34:1-10. Jesus categorically declares that he is the Good Shepherd. He is the one who meets the demands of the Sheep. Jesus is the point of access to God for the flock.

 Let us imitate Jesus as Leaders of today who have been entrusted to lead the People of God. It is time to abandon greedy and selfish motives and care for the vulnerable people in the society especially the sick, the hungry and to be a voice for the voiceless. If you are a leader and you have been entrusted to give relief resources to the Poor people, do not take them for yourself leaving the poor people to die without shelter or food. It is unfortunate that Justice and peace is lacking in many places due to bad leadership and the poor people become poorer and miserable. There is a lot of oppression and suppression of people’s rights and complete denial of social Justice in some places.

It is unfortunate some of the Leaders have permitted practices like homosexuality and lesbianism that harm the people of God. It is unfortunate that some of the leaders today engage in land grabbing and leave the poor homeless and some create war and violence in many places. This is the bad leadership that Jesus was not pleased with during his earthly ministry.

 Jesus died for the Sheep that they may have life. Leaders of today in imitation of Jesus ought to die for the people that have been entrusted to them. A leader without a compassionate heart may be a dangerous leader. To be a good leader also entails to put into practice what he or she preaches so that the Name of God may be glorified by our life. Let Jesus be a source of inspiration as we become peace makers and life giving to those entrusted into our care.

Landus Bwambale

IV Year Theology