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Homilies by Rev. Andrew Collis unless indicated otherwise.
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Easter 4, Year A
South Sydney Uniting Church
May 7, 2017
Psalm 23; John 10:1-10
‘To be a good shepherd, to be a good sheep’
The people of God (Jews and Christians) have long dreamed of a shepherd or servant leader who is tender and attentive, dependable and kind. God be with you ...
You might remember an ancient king who was a shepherd -
The image we have on our printed orders today (and on the colouring sheets) is one of the very oldest/earliest images of Jesus. When people first met to share stories about Jesus, to pray and to break bread together (even as they faced persecution), they made pictures of a young shepherd/pastor carrying a lamb on his shoulders. This was their precious image of Jesus the Good Shepherd (the Greek word is kalos, meaning good/true/noble/attractive), the one they could trust to feed them (body, mind and spirit) and lead them to a God of compassion and forgiveness. What do you see? ...
The image inspires me to ask some questions. Let's make some notes on the white board as we reflect and discuss. You may have questions too.
What is it that a shepherd wants? There's a clue in our Gospel where Jesus says he is the Gate through which the sheep come in at night for safety and through which they go out in the morning for green pastures (and adventures) … What is it that a shepherd wants? …
The shepherd or servant leader is quite similar to a mother. Do you agree? ... Perhaps this might give you an idea for a prayer or gift on Mother's Day ...
"To be a shepherd ... one must be very present to love children [others/neighbours/students/animals], to guide them, and to awaken their consciences in order to help them grow free in trust, in love, and in a sense of responsibility and of justice." Jean Vanier suggests we practise saying: I love you, and in the name of Jesus, I commit myself to you. How does it feel to speak these words? ...
"A shepherd leads by example, an example of being fulfilled and happy and filled with truth” (Jean Vanier). This does not mean being right all the time, but trying to be honest -
In what way are you called to become a good/true/noble/attractive shepherd, like Jesus? ... How might you pray for the Holy Spirit to help you? ...
Is it also necessary to be good sheep? What do you think? How might we listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd? How might we learn to obey/trust/follow Jesus? ...
Let's pray: O God, guide us on the proper path ... Amen.