HOMILY FOR THE 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A. (1)

HOMILY FOR THE 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A.

THEME: THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE.

BY: Fr. Vincent Onwukwe

In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, he tells a story of the controversy between the people of Umuofia (Okonkwo’s town) and Mbaino. Some Mbaino warriors had killed a daughter of Umuofia. The people of Umuofia, who had great warriors like Okonkwo, determined to invade the territory of their new enemies, insisted that the latter should provide a young girl and a young boy who would become the property of Umuofia people to appease their anger. The Mbaino people accepted this condition. So a young boy, Ikemefuna, was presented to them alongside a young virgin. Ikemefuna was kept in Okonkwo’s custody. Okonkwo cared for him like his own son, so the boy was proud to call him father. When the oracle of Umuofia demanded that the boy be killed, the oldest man in Umuofia, Ogbuefi Ezeudu, warned Okonkwo: “That boy calls you father, do not bear a hand in his death”. In other words, being a father ‒ a family shepherd ‒ implies protecting life. But Okonkwo would not listen. Like the Shakespearean Brutus, he struck the blow that sent the young Ikemefuna to his grave. He heard the young lad cry, “My father, they have killed me” as he ran towards him for protection. But Okonkwo drew his machete and massacred the boy because he was afraid of being called weak.

The above pathetic story resonates with the biblical good shepherd discussion. From Ogbuefi’s words, “That boy calls you father, do not have a hand in his death”, one should understand that playing a role of a shepherd implies protecting the sheep’s life. But the action of Okonkwo ‒ the destruction of his son’s life ‒ demonstrates a terrible form of shepherding. Hence, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The Greek word used for life here is zoē, which differs from bios. While bios has to do with natural life, zoē includes spiritual and eternal life, which Christ offers us by his Death and Resurrection. He lay down his life for the sheep. A good shepherd does not destroy the life of his sheep. Instead, he gives his life for the sheep when the need arises. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, carries our burdens, is wounded for our sins, and heals us by his stripes. Followers of Jesus are called to follow the example of Christ, protecting the natural and spiritual lives of others.

Notably, the mission of shepherding is not limited to parents, Christian and political leaders, bosses, etc. We are all shepherds in various capacities. If that is the case, we must be able to protect the lives of one another by sacrificing and caring for others instead of preying on them. We must help them grow instead of using them to achieve our selfish goals. We are all shepherds as parents, teachers, employers, Guardians, etc. Everybody must be ready to give an account of the life of his brother, father, mother, sister, children, students, etc. The question directed to Cain should re-echo in our ears: Where is/are your brother ‒ sister, father, mother, cousin, friend, student, to name but a few ‒? (cf Genesis 4:9). Of course, Cain could not account for the life of his brother Abel for he had killed him. Those who refuse to care and show concern for others do not follow the example of Jesus the Good Shepherd. More so, it is pertinent to be careful not to mislead people. “Woe to the Shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture, says the Lord” (Jer. 23:1 NRSV). “If anyone of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depths of the sea… Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes.” (Mtt 18:6-8 NRSV). Our words, actions, inactions, and silence can direct or lead people astray. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guides us through His words and actions.
Akin to the shepherding activities of Jesus is the need for great followership by Christians. If God (Christ) is our Shepherd, we are His Sheep. Every parent expects his/her children to obey him/her. As the Sheep and children of God, we must know Him, listen to him and follow Him. Jesus Himself informs us, “My Sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me” (Jn 10:27; cf. also John 2:5; Psalm 40: 6; John 8:12). He is the light of the world, whoever follows him will not walk in the dark but will have the light of life. On the other hand, anyone who refuses to follow Jesus will follow the way of destruction.

In conclusion, it should be noted that our followership of Christ involves knowing Him and His words. In this direction, we refer to a story of two persons who were called to recite Psalm 23. The first person rattled it, not missing any words in what he had memorised. He was applauded. The second person came and recited it meditatively and slowly, making the meaning of the psalm more meaningful to his audience. At the end of his recitation, people were very calm and touched. When the two had finished their recitations, the moderator pointed out that the first person knew the words of the shepherd while the second knew the shepherd. Today we are invited to know both the Shepherd and His words. This will enable us to listen to Him and follow Him.

May we always be willing to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd as He leads us to the right part and may he strengthen us to lead others to the same direction.

God loves you!

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