HOMILY FOR THE 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY)
HOMILY FOR THE 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY)
HOMILY THEME: THE GOOD SHEPHERD’S WAY—COMPASSION, INCLUSIVITY, AND EMPATHETIC LISTENING.
BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa
In today’s gospel reading (John 10:11–18), Jesus makes a profound declaration that reveals the very essence of His identity and mission. With boldness and clarity, He proclaims, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This statement is set against the backdrop of the Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus’ remarkable healing of the man born blind (John 9:1–18), a rejection that exposed their own spiritual blindness and hardness of heart.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY)
Jesus and His disciples met a man who was born blind. His disciples asked him if the man’s blindness was a punishment for his own sins or his parents’ sins. But Jesus said, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him” (John 9:3). Then, Jesus made some mud, put it on the man’s eyes, and told him to wash it off in the Pool of Siloam (John 9:6-7). And guess what? The man’s sight was restored!
However, the Pharisees, expected to be religious leaders, failed to demonstrate compassion and empathy, instead condemning the man as a sinner and labeling Jesus a sinner for “working” or rather healing on the Sabbath (John 9:1–38). They should have embodied the qualities of charity, humility, and service to others as leaders. They should have prioritized care for the marginalized (CCC 874; 2449).
Moreover, they should have recognized and acknowledged God’s work in healing rather than rejecting it due to their rigid legalism. And when they thought the man might start following Jesus, they kicked him out of their community, exemplifying a failure to meet the expected standards of religious leadership.
In response to the Pharisees’ leadership failure and harsh treatment of the man born blind (John 10:11–18), Jesus boldly declares Himself the Good Shepherd, actively distinguishing Himself from the Pharisees, who prioritized rule-following and judgment over compassion. Unlike the Pharisees, Jesus commits to never abandoning or rejecting anyone, embodying the qualities of a true shepherd who seeks out and cares for His flock with devotion and sacrifice.
Through the contrasting actions of the Pharisees and Jesus, we can learn valuable lessons:
Compassion over Legalism: Jesus’ teaching emphasizes the importance of mercy and compassion over rigid adherence to laws and regulations (Hosea 6:6). As St. Augustine notes, “The Lord hath given us a law to love one another, and yet we find it hard to do because we are inclined to love ourselves more” (St. Augustine, Sermon 358).
Inclusive Leadership: Jesus’ ministry exemplifies a commitment to inclusivity, welcoming and caring for those on the margins, including the poor, the sick, and the outcast (Luke 4:18–19, 14:13–14). This aligns with St. Paul’s teaching to “consider the poor” and “be mindful of the weak” (Galatians 2:10).
Empathetic Listening: Jesus’ interactions with individuals, such as the Samaritan woman and the man born blind, demonstrate His willingness to listen and understand their experiences (John 4:1–26, 9:1-38). This resonates with St. Benedict’s counsel to “listen with the ear of your heart” (St. Benedict, Rule 4.30).
Sarah, a friend, comes to you in tears, sharing her struggles with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. Instead of interrupting or offering quick fixes, you give her your undivided attention, looking into her eyes and allowing her to share her story without judgment. Listening this way creates a safe and supportive environment in which Sarah feels heard, validated, and understood.
This is what St. Benedict means by “listening with the ear of your heart.” It’s not just about hearing words, but about tuning into the other person’s heart, their emotions, and their experiences. It’s about being present, empathetic, and compassionate, just as Jesus was with the man born blind. Listening in this way allows us to build deeper connections, foster greater understanding, and offer support and guidance that comes from a place of love and compassion.
As we reflect on the Good Shepherd’s example, let us strive to become leaders and people who prioritize compassion, inclusivity, selfless service, and empathetic listening. May we learn from the Pharisees’ failure and Jesus’ triumph, and may we always seek to reveal God’s love and kindness in our lives as well as in the lives of others.
May the principles of charity, humility, and service to others guide us, and may we consistently prioritize the marginalized and the weak. And as we listen to the Good Shepherd’s voice, may we respond with devotion and sacrifice, becoming the leaders and disciples that God calls us to be. Amen.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE>>>>>
