Inbox Inspiration: May 3, 2020: Special - 14 Fourth Sunday of Easter

Special – 14
Fourth Sunday of Easter 
Gospel: John 10:1-10   

Pope Francis once spoke to bishops and priests about our role as shepherds.
Among other things, he said that sometimes we need to walk ahead of the sheep, sometimes with the sheep, and sometimes behind the sheep.
I find this image very memorable and right on target.
Sometimes we priests need to walk ahead of our people.
This might be when we need to lead in seeing injustice in our society or in our Church and showing a way to address it.
Sometimes (and, I think, most of the time) we priests are to walk with our people.
We work together to discern what God wants us to do and to collaborate in ministries of service and formation and leadership.
And sometimes we priests are to walk behind our people.
We respect their wonderful talents as they very ably initiate and undertake many creative things for the kingdom of God.
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, I warmly remember Pope Francis’ words.
His words also help us to see how Jesus is the Good Shepherd for all of us:
sometimes leading us forward out of our comfort zone with his vision,
always walking with us every step of life’s journey,
and sometimes walking behind us and just watching with a smile as we try to do our best to bring his presence and Good News alive in our world today.
That’s my take on the Gospel for this Fourth Sunday of Easter.

Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Coronavirus Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful.