Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Written on: April 29, 2020
First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2: 14a, 36-41
Second Reading: 1st Letter of St. Peter 2: 20b-25
Gospel: John 10: 1-10
In today’s first reading, Peter exhorts the people: “Repent for the forgiveness of your sins…save yourselves from this “corrupt generation.” As if those around us are the cause of our sinfulness.
In the second reading Peter softens. When we are patient in suffering, it is a grace of God. Jesus suffered much to bear our sins. That concept has always been far beyond my understanding but that is the word of God in Scripture!
Yet, Peter says, “by His wounds you have been healed.” Having worked in health care for more than forty-five years I can relate to that. Some wounds are small, some are big and awful. Some wounds heal completely and some leave devastating, life-changing disabilities. However we name our wounds: our sins, sinfulness, or failings, Christ is there to heal us no matter the wound.
John’s Gospel of the caring shepherd is so real, so comforting, soft but strong! Maybe Peter’s “corrupt generation” is the “sheep thief or evil stranger.” Jesus is the Shepherd and He calls his own sheep by name, he protects them, and leads them. And, as sheep do, they listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow.
The Scripture today showers us with gifts of hope and comfort. Compassion, forgiveness, gentleness, healing and all-encompassing loving care are the gifts that Jesus offers us. We need only to follow the voice of the Shepherd as He calls our name.
Sister Mary Salvadore, GNSH loved and enjoyed her ministry of 45 years as a Physical Therapist. She served in several city hospitals including Bellevue Hospital in New York City and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. She also studied and practiced acupressure and shiatsu for 20 years. Her special interests are Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, and Yoga.
Featured photo courtesy of Patrick Schneider/Unsplash
12 thoughts on “Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter”
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Well said, Mary. Your inspiring words ring true.
In this time of so much woundedness, your words are very reassuring, Mary. Thanks for all your healing words and works everyday.
You are, indeed, like this healing shepherd who cares for her flock no matter the need or the day or the time. Thank you for being an icon of this Good Shepherd with us today as well as with us in the Word.
Thank you, Mary, for your thoughtful, comforting reflection on tomorrow’s readings.
A reflection on healing and compassion from an expert!
Gracias, Mary.
Thank YOU, Mary, for your gifts of ‘hope and comfort.’
Thanks, Mary. Your words are a comfort for me.
This reflection is from the experienced heart of a healer. Thanks, Mary.
Mary, thank you for this powerful statement:” However, we name our wounds, our sins, sinfulness, or failings, Christ is there to heal us no matter the wound.” It is a profound prayer of trust in Christ.
Mary, thank you. You have been a healing presence to so many – in the past and now.
Thanks for the great reflection, Sr. Mary! You know a great deal about compassion and empathy and your personal gentleness leads me to a better understanding of the “Shepherd”. Thank you!
Love this! Thanks, Mary. You yourself are like the gentle shepherd healing and caring for so many of us!