Readings for May 10-11, Fourth Sunday of Easter
By Lyn Zahorik | For On Mission
On Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, we want to believe that, as followers of Jesus, we embody the grace of a good shepherd.
However, in this Sunday’s Gospel, we also hear about a predatory wolf and an indifferent shepherd.
One way to integrate Scripture into our lives is to consider how what we do in life aligns with characters in the Scripture stories.
A person being a “wolf,” as in using a predatory power to influence or control, disregards others’ needs. The need for personal or material gain overrides compassion and justice. This tactic induces fear rather than trust, leaving those we are meant to protect and guide vulnerable and without a place of refuge.
Another predatory trait is a lack of accountability. This leads one to blame mistakes and wrongdoing on others because maintaining self-preservation matters most.
A fine balance keeps us from becoming indifferent shepherds.
Yes, attention to the needs of others is fulfilling. When things are going well, we feel financial stability, family and friends are in a good relationship with us, and our physical, mental and spiritual well-being are all on solid ground.
However, when this balance is off, we can become concerned only about ourselves and neglect nurturing what is in our care — be that people, animals, or even ideas and potential. We flee from challenges and avoid the difficult, yet necessary steps needed to lead and protect others.
When we falter, those depending on us can feel lost, abandoned or vulnerable. The “flock” may scatter, resources may dwindle, and the trust placed in us may erode. These effects ripple outward, creating a chain of harm that touches more than we first realize.
Recognizing the weakness that lies in both the predatory wolf and the indifferent shepherd can offer us a powerful opportunity for growth.
By choosing self-reflection, accountability and a commitment to intentional care for others, we can transform behaviors that can separate us from Jesus and one another.
True shepherding in the manner of Jesus is our soul’s dream job! To shepherd the people and things God has entrusted to us is both a privilege and a responsibility requiring a heart of prayer, care, humility and intentionality.
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, tells us to lead with love.
We can do this by taking time to listen to others in their struggles, their dreams and their hopes, while seeking the wisdom to guide them in the right way.
We can lead with love by recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and be vigilant about safeguarding what’s been entrusted to us, whether it’s our family, relationships, work, resources or, most importantly, our spiritual life.
By embracing these principles, we can, as Pope Francis encouraged us, “smell like the sheep,” shepherding with faithfulness and grace, honoring the trust God has placed in us.
Zahorik is director for spiritual engagement at St. Mary Parish, Omro, and St. Mary Parish, Winneconne
The readings for Sunday, May 11, can be found at Fourth Sunday of Easter | USCCB