Tuesday of the
Fourth Week of Easter
(Acts 11:19-26; John 10:22-33)
The gospel reading today begins by declaring that the
Feast of the Dedication was taking place.
The occasion marked the successful Jewish revolt against their Greek
overlords. By Jesus’ time Rome has taken
control of Israel. The Romans may not
have been as oppressive as the Greeks, but their occupation was deeply
resented. The desire for a Messiah to
lead a new revolt precipitates the demand of Jesus to declare himself.
In all the gospels Jesus alters the role of a Messiah. He indicates, be it directly or indirectly,
that he is not a warrior-Messiah like David. In the passage at hand, however, he says that
he is still like David in another respect.
He is a shepherd who cares for his flock. He says that he gives those who follow him
something greater than political autonomy.
He provides them “eternal life.”
This new way of living with neither bitterness nor regret transcends
natural desire. It belongs exclusively
to God. For this reason Jesus says that
he does the work of his Father.
Like the Jews in Jesus’ day, we have to reconsider what
we want. Are we taken up with
vindication and domination? Or do we
seek peace through love? The former
qualities belong to the world as we know it.
The latter is the promise of God in Jesus Christ.
