THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
(Acts 13:14.43-52; Revelation 7:9.14-17, John 10:27-30)
No doubt most people have had this experience. When we were
children, sometimes we couldn't sleep. It could have been a nightmare or
possibly a stomachache that woke us up. Rising from our bed, we went to our
parents' bedroom. Our mother hugged us and invited us to spend the night with
her and our father. With this experience buried in our memories, we honor our
mothers today, Mother's Day. This experience also helps us understand the words
of Jesus in the gospel.
Jesus says that his sheep listen to his voice. That is, they
not only hear his voice but wait for it. As the sick consult a doctor, the
disciples approach Jesus regularly and attentively. Jesus shows them the way to
lasting happiness. Today there is so much noise in our environment that it is
difficult to discern the voice of Jesus. If we listen to the radio, the songs
tell of carnal desire. The Internet is filled with advertisements as if we were
first and foremost buyers of things. Even when we come across religious
matters, they can be nothing more than frauds. For years “prosperity gospel”
preachers have talked about how Jesus wants all believers to become rich like
the king of Arabia. Is that true? If it is, then why do we honor Mother Teresa
and Francis of Assisi as saints?
When parents come with their child to be baptized, the
priest asks them, “What do you ask of the Church for your child?” They answer,
"Baptism" because, as good mothers and fathers, they want their
children to have eternal life as their destiny. In the gospel Jesus says that
he gives his disciples “eternal life”. What is he talking about? Not much
should be said about this phenomenon. It is beyond the reach of our experience.
In the second reading the seer John describes eternal life in several different
terms. He says that those who have eternal life are from all nations and races,
serve God, and do not suffer. But it is not entirely they who serve. He adds
that Jesus shepherds them, and God wipes away all their tears. It seems that
eternal life is the state where love prevails. Those who have it help and
support each other so that peace reigns in their hearts.
We certainly want to possess eternal life. However,
sometimes we wonder if we can reach it. We see ourselves succumbing to anger
or, worse, to the desires of the flesh. Yes, it is a continual struggle to
maintain Jesus' victory over sin. But Jesus assures again in the gospel that no
one can snatch us out of his hands. Like frightened children in their parents'
bed, Jesus will protect us. We just have to stay close to him. We do it when we
attend to his voice resounding in the sacraments.
In the first reading Paul and Barnabas get up from being
persecuted. They shake the dust off their feet and move on. They don't curse
their luck or give up their mission. They know that they have put into practice
what Jesus has asked of them. He who has overcome death is going to give them
eternal life as well. It is a cause for joy, not worry and much less disgust.
Eternal life is also our destiny when we follow him. We don't have to worry
about radio noise or internet scams. Let us only listen to his voice and obey
it always.
