Readings: Acts 11:1-18, Ps. 42:2-3,42:3-4, John 10:1-10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Among the Jews, some foods are considered unclean and thereby forbidden. These include animals that do not chew the cud and do not have cloven hoofs (for instance, pigs and horses), fish without fins and scales, the blood of any animal, shellfish and other living creatures that creep (such as reptiles) and animals considered fowl (such as vultures, hawks, and owls). For Jesus, what defiles a person is not the food they eat but their heart's content. In other words, no food is unclean. (Cf. Mark 7:18-20).
In today’s First Reading, Peter received a vision where he was asked to kill and eat these ritually unclean animals, and when he protested, he was told: “What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.” Peter later understood the meaning of this vision when he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon the Gentiles. Peter’s experience was a manifestation of Jesus’ prophecy (which we heard in yesterday’s Gospel passage): “And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So, there shall be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16) What does this teach us?
1. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Does Not Discriminate: Peter’s experience in Caesarea (the Gentile town where Jesus made Peter head of the Church) teaches us to avoid judging people (or looking down on them) because they are not yet baptised. It shows us that Jesus is a good shepherd who makes room for everyone regardless of nationality, tribe, creed or race. Peter was shocked that the so-called “pagans” received the Holy Spirit as the early Christians gathered in the upper room on Pentecost Day. Peter said: “If then God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:17).
2. Be Humble, God Can Work With Anyone: Peter’s experience also reminds us of Jesus’ warning to the Jews: “Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you, God is able, from these stones, to raise children to Abraham.” (Matthew 3:9). It also reminds us that even non-Christians can work miracles in Jesus’ name. John said to Jesus: “Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” Thinking that Jesus would say, “well done”, John was surprised to hear Jesus say: “Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:49-50) In other words, let us avoid pride. The fact that someone is not a church member does not mean they don’t have access to God. To successfully convert a person, you must respect and recognise their previous beliefs.
3. Am I A Shepherd Or A Thief? Yesterday (Good Shepherd Sunday), we heard Jesus distinguish between the good shepherd and the bad shepherd (the hireling who works only for his pocket). The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, but the bad shepherd runs when he sees a wolf. Today, Jesus distinguishes the shepherd from the thief. The thief does not enter by the door but climbs another way (jumps the fence). Did I get into power through legitimate channels or “snatching, grabbing and running away with the ballot box”? Secondly, another quality of the thief is their intention. Am I in power to help the sheep (give them life) or steal from them? Is my continued stay in power destroying my sheep?
4. Whose Sheep Am I? Jesus also points out an important quality of His sheep in today’s Gospel passage. “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:3-5) In other words, the sheep of Jesus are those who recognise His voice and listen to Jesus daily, not those who follow the voice of strangers (the worldly-minded).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, shepherd of my soul, give me a heart that welcomes rather than discriminates others. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Monday of the 4th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 11:1-18, Ps. 42:2-3,42:3-4, John 10:1-10).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu