Scripture Reflections for Fourth Sunday of Easter

“I have heard that the sound of our own name is the most cherished sound for every human being”

“At the heart of it is that love on which the universe is founded, that love so ancient it has always been there, unchanging, and yet responsible for every touch of newness, every moment of genuine freshness, delight”

“God is wholly simple and his attention cannot be divided between two of us. We each have his whole attention and love simultaneously and perpetually.”

“In what form can he be the door of the sheepfold? In the form of Christ crucified, spreading his arms wide, like an open door. So we have to let Christ in to our inner selves through the door of faith in Christ, and him crucified.”

“The psalm says, “Your rod and your staff give me courage.” Courage is given by protection—from others who seek harm and sometimes from ourselves. That is God’s way.”

“If other people see the benefits that being a member of Christ’s flock brings, then they’ll be much more likely to seek out Christ themselves. Only Christ can justify, but we can encourage other people to open themselves to Christ’s saving grace.”

“We have always wandered away, and yet Jesus found us. Oh how often has He travelled far and wide, wallowing in the thick forest in searching of us because we are so precious to Him!”

“We are Christians not because we disbelieve the Old Testament, but because we believe the Old Testament is true, and that what it predicted has actually happened.”

“Safety is not to be found in the sheep-pen per se, not even if you take the sheepfold to be the Church. The safety comes from being in union with Christ.”

“No two people will follow the exact same path and yet all the paths along which he leads will open to green pastures, for this is why he came...There are no dead ends, if they are listening to his voice and following him.”

““The Good Shepherd” doesn’t watch over us and protect us from all harm like some fairy godmother. He offers us New Life as a community that struggles together, suffers together and ultimately celebrates new life together in spite of the death and evil that confronts us.”

“I do want us to understand that we Christians are not supposed to remain stupid sheep. We are not supposed to be always on the verge of getting lost.”