Fourth Sunday of Easter Gospel  B

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd.
· The prophet Ezekiel prepared the way for Jesus’ teaching. Because of the unfaithfulness of the leaders, God said: “I myself will pasture my sheep.” (Ez 34:15) and then he said: “I will appoint one shepherd over them to pasture them, my servant David; he shall pasture them and be their shepherd.” (Ez 34:23) Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy.

A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
· Reflect on your present relationship with Jesus, first from Jesus’ perspective and then from yours. Is there a difference? What is it? How key is Jesus’ decision to lay down his life for you? Is this our stumbling block in the relationship?

I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. 
· This is the basis for all ecumenical outreach in the Church: the desire and commitment of Jesus for unity.
This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father." 
· Why do you think Jesus returns to the point of the Father’s love for him and his decision to lay down his life and to take it up again? Do you think it has anything to do with his suffering, death and resurrection? Reflect on this.
· As you read this passage what new understanding of your relationship with Jesus do you have? What response is Jesus calling from you at this time of your life?