Being a door



This Sunday, like all fourth Sundays of Easter, is Good Shepherd Sunday. So we hear the foundational text of the Good Shepherd tradition – Psalm 23. And we hear in the gospel the first part of a larger speech by Jesus about being the Good Shepherd. (We get the other two parts on Easter 4 next year and the year after.) The Good Shepherd is the one who seeks out all the lost sheep, brings them home and protects them. Jesus ministry is to seek out the lost sheep of the house of Israel, lost in exile, and through them all humanity.  The shepherd lies across the gate at night and risks his own life to protect the sheep – giving his life so that all are found and given life.



Jesus finishes today’s periscope with “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”[1] Life, eternal life, life in abundance is the central theme in John. We are given abundant life. All we need do is accept it. What does that mean for you and me? When we remember that Jesus is talking about healing the blind man, what changes in our understanding?

[1] John 10:10

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