![]() When the priest is doing very well, he is hardly appreciated but when his weaknesses become obvious, he becomes the talk of the town. This is because, despite being humans like us, they are entrusted with the task that only angels can do. ![]() If there is anything we owe our shepherds, it is prayer. John says: “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” that is, those who have not given themselves over to a sinful life.Ĥ. Jesus says in today’s Gospel passage, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28).įurthermore, St. John reveals: “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation…” That is to say, those who did not give up despite the persecution and trials they face. This means that the only language we shall speak in heaven is the language of love. John sees a vision of heaven, and behold it was a great multitude consisting of persons from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues. ![]() As a Sheep of Christ, Ensure Your Robes are Washed Clean In the end, they were driven out of the city but this did not dampen their spirits.ģ. The Jewish religious leaders upon seeing the multitudes of those becoming Christians were filled with jealousy and they went as far as inciting devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city against Paul and Barnabas. And more painfully, much of this persecution comes from people who are supposed to be close to God. The story of Paul and Barnabas in our first reading today teaches us that this call is loaded with challenges, tough times, and persecution. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” (Matthew 16:24-26). For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Meanwhile, Jesus himself warns: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.” (Sirach 2:1-2). The book of Sirach teaches: “My son if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation. It is a call for the bold and courageous. The call to live as children of God is not an easy one. As Sheep of Christ, We Cannot Escape Hardship The sheep of Christ incarnate Christ in the world.Ģ. Thirdly, Jesus says: “they follow me,” which means, they behave like me. How often do you read the Bible and meditate on it? Secondly, when Christ says “I know them” it means no one can pretend to be his sheep you are either with Christ or with another shepherd. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus did not say “all those who come to gather around me are my sheep.” Instead, He says: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” These three qualities distinguish the sheep of Christ First, the sheep must hear the voice of Christ. ![]() As Peter and the disciples were called by Jesus to be shepherds, Jesus calls his sheep who hear his voice and follow Him. The one word which summarizes our Liturgy today is “Call”. Jesus made it clear to Peter that his primary duty is to feed His sheep. Last Sunday, we heard Jesus saying to Peter: “Feed My Sheep, Tend My Sheep, Feed My lambs.” Jesus forgave Peter for his three-fold denial and restored him as Shepherd (Leader) of the Church. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28) I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.
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