Word to the Wise
Sunday, April 22, 2018 - 4th Sunday of Easter - B
[Acts 4:8-12; 1 John 3:1-2; John 10:11-18]SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2018 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER [Acts 4:8-12; 1 John 3:1-2; John 10:11-18] “ I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.” [John] Tradition gives this Sunday the title, GOOD SHEPHERD Sunday. The gospel scripture is always from John 10, but it is divided up among the three Sunday cycles (A,B,C). Today’s passage is for Cycle B. The daily cycle (Years I and II) also takes up the image. We will revisit Chapter 10 on Monday. I want to reflect on one line in today’s passage that has had considerable influence on efforts at Christian unity. The task of Christian unity seemed very hopeful right after the Second Vatican Council. There was considerable euphoria and efforts to somehow bring everybody with the name “Christian” under one tent. That mood has disappeared even if the efforts are still being made. Getting everyone under the same tent has proven to be extremely difficult. There are differences over who should be invited and especially over the tent! The interpretation of Jesus’ words, quoted above, varies considerably when the Catholic institution of the papacy gets into the discussion. “One flock, one shepherd” means all Catholic under one pope to some and peaceful co-existence under one Christ to others. The word “church” creates a whole other discussion! Right now, all “churches” are experiencing loss of membership to very amorphous generic “mega-churches” (i.e. if people are going to church at all). A new word, “None,” has arisen to describe those who do not belong to a specific Christian (or even religious) tradition. Another phrase, “I’m spiritual but not religious,” is often heard. Jesus says that he must also lead those who are not of his flock. How can we do that if we Christians (let alone we Catholics!)are so divided? Pope Paul VI wrote a wonderful document, EVANGELII NUNTIANDI, (The Gospel to be proclaimed) in which he said that people are more likely to respond to witnesses than teachers in our day. The task of Christian unity will have to begin with each tradition cleaning its own house before we invite others in. At the same time, while doing this cleaning, we can talk to one another about our faith in the Lord who is our common shepherd and live as he taught. We may need to re-consider what we call Christian “unity,” but we can’t give up on the sheep if we are going to call ourselves “Christian.” AMEN