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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Acts 2:14.36-41
Psalm 22
1 Peter 2:20-25
John 10: 1-10
The first reading continues last week's account of Peter's Pentecost sermon. Having heard Peter's words that "God has made Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ", the hearers take the initiative to ask what they should do. They are told to repent and be baptised. Peter convinced many people by his arguments that day to receive baptism. Unfortunately the accusation of being Christ killers has been levelled against the Jewish people down the ages leading to their persecution. We should not conclude from this passage that this accusation is acceptable today.
The Gospel tells the parable of the sheepfold with an explanation because Jesus' disciples didn't understand its meaning. The shepherd and his sheep is a common biblical theme. The Lord is the shepherd of the people, as in the psalm for today, and the prophet Ezekiel proclaims that the Lord will gather the sheep scattered throughout the lands and bring them back to good pasture. John presents two metaphors - the gate and the good shepherd, and interprets Jesus as both. He is the gate through which people have access to the sheep and he is the good shepherd. John says that Jesus is the only source of salvation and those who came before him are rejected as thieves. John may have been referring to the Jewish traditions here and reflecting a conflict situation when the Gospel was written. We do not hold such a negative view of Judaism today.
Who are our shepherds today? Is the Lord my Shepherd? Whom, or what do I turn to in times of trouble? This week let us say Psalm 22/23 slowly and prayerfully.
Let us pray too for the one who will lead the Church on earth, the new Holy Father, to be elected this week. May the Holy Spirit guide the decision of the Cardinals gathered in Rome.