The fourth Sunday of Easter is commonly known as Good Shepherd Sunday because the readings each year focus on Jesus being likened to a shepherd. This year, however, there is an additional focus: the need for repentance in order to hear Jesus’ voice more clearly. Too often in our busy lives, the voice of God is drowned out by the clamor of social media, politics, pride, or greed. We sometimes become so focused on earthly things that we forget to focus on those for eternal life. I would like to suggest that we repent for placing human concerns above God. In doing so, we are more likely to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, which will benefit us for salvation.
In the first reading, Peter and the other apostles proclaimed the Gospel so passionately that the people were moved to repentance and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. As a result, about 3000 people were baptized. Their whole lives were changed. Had they not repented of their sins, their hearts would have been unable to accept the Gospel message. From what do we need to repent in order to hear the voice of Jesus? Do we pay more attention to social media than the Gospel?
The second reading reminds us of the suffering Jesus endured for our salvation. But we are also challenged to remember that our salvation comes with a cost: We must be like Jesus. He took on our sins and transgressions to heal and forgive us. In return, we are invited to follow in His footsteps by being patient when we suffer and use that opportunity to get closer to Him. When we suffer (especially unjustly), what is our response? Do we complain and blame others, or do we try to join our sufferings to those of Jesus on the cross?
Finally, the Gospel reading asks, “What kind of sheep am I?” One guided and instructed by the voices of the world, or one that tries to hear the voice of the Shepherd? A good sheep follows the shepherd and knows not to follow a false one. Sheep can distinguish between their master and others, but we, humans, sometimes have difficulty doing the same. We may allow the desire for wealth, power, or influence to sway our decision-making. We may listen to the voices of powerful others, leading us down a path that is not for our spiritual benefit. Perhaps we need to repent from allowing human voices to replace the voice of God in our hearts.
As we continue our journey through the Easter season, may we learn to refrain from those things that prevent us from hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd. May we repent from those actions that have elevated human motives and desires above those of God. May the voice of Jesus continue to guide and shape our very being as we strive to become more like Him so that we may dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.
