Fourth Sunday in Easter: Gospel, John 10:11-18                           

John 10:11-18

Read. Consider. Ponder. Pray.

This passage and the larger piece of which it is a part (John 10:1-18) speaks powerfully to what I believe is a huge, grand desire of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Verse 16 specifically, “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” 

The understanding usually rendered for this passage is that Jesus is speaking to his followers regarding Gentiles, whom he has predestined to be part of the family that heretofore only the Jews thought they had a punched ticket to join. Now, there had indeed been Gentiles admitted to the people of God, but all under the strictures of the Mosaic law. Jesus is speaking here of a different mode of entrance. And method. The shepherd’s gate is the entrance and note Jesus’ words, “I must bring them …”. Not Moses. Jesus.

But that isn’t the focal point of this meditation as wonderful as that is. No, I would like us all to ponder the “one flock” idea. And to help us ponder let me simply posit a couple questions: Do you long for a day when all Christians will commune at the same altar? Do you believe there will ever be such a day in this world? I believe we have so watered down the gospel that we don’t believe that it can accomplish this wonder. I would take issue with any such notion. And I for one do long for that day. A flock we are. But more to it: we are a family.

God grant it. Amen!

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!