Thoughts on Sunday’s Lessons for May 12, 2019

First Reading: Acts 9:36-43

Following a Good Shepherd theme, Sunday’s readings remind us that we can always find hope in God, even in the midst of difficulty, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

St. Peter Reviving Tabitha (1618). Oil painting on canvas by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Il Guercino) (1591-1666), Galleria Palatina, Palazzo Pitti, Florence. (Click image to enlarge.)

In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we find Peter out in the world, filled with the Holy Spirit. A beloved disciple, Tabitha (also known in Greek as Dorcas), became ill and died. Her friends are weeping, remembering the clothing she had made for them. When Peter arrives, to their amazement of the disciples and perhaps even to his own surprise, he brings Tabitha back to life with a prayer and a command, just as Jesus had done with Lazarus.

Psalm: Psalm 23

Many Christians know the beloved 23rd Psalm so well – perhaps in the cadences of King James – that we could recite it from memory. Sometimes though, too much familiarity can rob us of the beauty of rediscovering the details. Try reading it today with fresh eyes and mind, taking it slowly, one verse at a time. Breathe deeply and visualize yourself and your loved ones in each line; walking with God through the green pastures, past the still waters and through the dark valley, then sitting down at God’s table for an unforgettable banquet. God loves us all, always. What could be more comforting than that?

Second Reading: Revelation 7:9-17

We remain through Eastertide in the strange land of Revelation, a book that was written in symbolic language to inspire and reassure the people of a persecuted first century church. We don’t look to it for prophecy for modern times, but we can find in it hope for all ages. In Sunday’s verses, take note that the the multitude worshiping the Lamb is not an exclusive gathering of insiders but a worldwide crowd incorporating all colors, languages and nations. Everyone is included! The closing verses, too, offer us reassurance and hope: The Lamb will be our good shepherd, guiding us beside the still waters, protecting us from danger and delivering us from hunger and thirst. Here is the comfort of Psalm 23, restated in Revelation.

Gospel: John 10:22-30

We know that John’s Gospel, like the other Gospels, reflects life during a time of conflict between early Christians and Jews. The confrontation in today’s reading shows us this conflict in its interpretation of Jesus’ critical response to Jewish leaders, symbolically placed in the Temple’s portico of Solomon where kingly judgments were traditionally rendered. In reading this now, it’s best to look past the harsh words to see love and hope for all nations in Jesus, the Good Shepherd, whose works show that he will protect the flock and care for the sheep, Christ’s body on earth.