Easter IV

4^th Sunday of Easter C

Readings: Acts 13:14,43‑52  Revelation 7:9,14‑17  John 10:27‑30

Despite its small numbers and lack of political power, early Christianity threatened both the mother Jewish faith and the established religion of the Roman Empire.  Today's readings remind us that, as our Christian ancestors endured persecution, we too can expect to suffer for our Christian beliefs.  We are strengthened, however, by faith in the Good Shepherd who promises: "No one shall snatch them out of my hand."  With trust in the victory of the risen Shepherd who laid down his life for us, we sing our psalm response, "We are his people; the sheep of his flock" (Ps 100).

The account of Paul's preaching in Pisidian Antioch follows a pattern that frequently occurs in his journeys in Acts: after initial success among the Jews, the gospel meets violent opposition, and the apostles turn to the Gentiles who respond joyfully to the message.  In today's reading, Paul and Barnabas begin their mission in the Jewish synagogue on Sabbath, and many Jews and devout Jewish converts become followers of the gospel.  But on the following Sabbath, when "almost the entire city gathered to hear the word of God," the Jewish community becomes jealous and counters with violent abuse everything Paul says.  Paul and Barnabas then fearlessly turn to the Gentiles in fulfillment of the Lord's instructions: "I have made you a light to the nations, a means of salvation to the end of the earth" (Is 49:6).  The Gentiles are "delighted" to hear the gospel and respond "to the word of the Lord with praise."  Even when Paul and Barnabas are expelled from the territory, they are not discouraged.  Joyfully shaking the dust from their feet, they move on to Iconium.      

The reading from Revelation originally offered a consoling vision of the future for the seven churches in Asia Minor whose Christian faith caused public suspicion and sporadic persecution from Roman authorities.  John's visions remind us that true Christian faith will be attacked by the evil powers of the world, but they also assure us of God and the Lamb's ultimate triumph over the forces of evil.  For the risen Christ even death is not defeat but victory.  In his vision John sees a huge crowd from every nation, race, people and tongue joyfully participating in the heavenly liturgy before the throne of God and the Lamb (the crucified and risen Christ).  They are dressed in long white robes of glory and are holding the palm branches of victory in their hands.  John learns from one of the elders that "these are the ones who have survived the great period of trial; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."    All Christians who suffer in their struggle against evil are consoled with the elder's concluding words: "He who sits on the throne will give them shelter.  Never again shall they know hunger or thirst, nor shall the sun or its heat beat down on them, for the Lamb on the throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to springs of life‑giving water, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes."

This Sunday's Gospel from John continues the theme of Jesus' protection of his followers in the midst of trial.  Jesus himself is under attack.  He is in the temple area at the feast of the Dedication and is challenged with the words: "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."  After this incident, some in the crowd will pick up rocks to stone him.  In the midst of this hostility, Jesus speaks of the difference between his hostile opponents and his followers.  He says that his enemies reject him because they refuse to believe in the works he does in the Father's name, while his disciples are the sheep who "hear (his) voice."  They follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who will lay down his life for his sheep (see John 10:14‑18).  Those who embrace Jesus' life of selfless love are assured of protection: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.  No one shall snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28).