Jesus is the Good News to the poor in person.  Hence, he seeks them and they, in turn, do not fail to hear and follow him. 

Jesus says that he knows his sheep, and they hear and follow him.  And he says this to the leaders of the Jews in matters of religion.

It looks like they hear and follow him, but they still do not grasp what he says and does.  For they yet wonder about who he is.  And they think it is now time for him to leave them in no doubt.  So, they surround him and ask that he tells them plainly if he is the Messiah.

In reply, then, Jesus says that at issue is not that he has not told them.   He has; besides, what he does shows who he is.  So, at issue is their lack of faith.  And they do not believe, since they are not of his sheep.

All this takes place while Jesus walks about on Solomon’s Porch in the courtyard of the temple.  The porch shields those who hold the feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah) from the cold winds from the desert.

The feast recalls the Jews’ defeat of the Gentiles who sought to destroy Jewish identity and culture.  In other words, the Jews celebrate particularity, exclusivity, and proclaim “we-against-others.”

The Good Shepherd, on the other hand, speaks of other sheep that are not of this fold.  He must lead these also.  They will hear and follow him, so there will be one flock, one shepherd.  After all, he is the light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of Israel.  So, he welcomes all.

Hence, to hear and follow Jesus is to go and make disciples of all nations, races, peoples and tongues.  And this asks those who hear and follow him to lay down their lives also for the sheep.

Lord Jesus, teach us to hear and follow you to the point of giving up our bodies and shedding our blood.  And grant that we go all over the world to do what you did (SV.EN XII:215) and be a light to the Gentiles and bring the Good News to the poor.  Help us to grasp and live true inclusion.  May we all be one, as you and the Father are one.

11 May 2025
Fourth of Easter (C)
Acts 13, 14. 43-52; Rev 7, 9. 14b-17; Jn 10, 27-30