The Early Church had the over whelming challenge of creating the story that continued after the life and death of Jesus. During this Easter season, we, too, are continuing to the story. In celebrating the Resurrection, we find ourselves re-evaluating our own lives and like the apostles and the Early Church, asking “What happens now?” In Acts 4, we read how Peter and John acted and spoke boldly at the temple. Motivated by the life, name, and ministry of Jesus, they continued to do his work. The theme of acting continues as we read 1 John 3 and John 10. In 1 John 3, it is not the name of Jesus that calls us to action, but love. Verse 18, states, “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” In John 10, the actions of the good shepherd are an example and a guide for us as Christians, individually and communally.
Personal Reflection:
Jesus identifies himself in terms that people of his day could understand. Being a good shepherd is linked to knowing the sheep and laying down one’s life for the sheep. Although this is a metaphor for Jesus caring for his followers, take time to consider how you have done love or had love done to you.