20250426 Fourth Sunday of Easter

Readings at USCCB.org 

Who Are You Following?

I enjoyed reflecting on this weekend’s readings but more so because of how I felt I was able to relate to the readings.

In the first reading, the crowd was cut to the heart, meaning something inside hit them and they came to a realization and asked Peter and the other apostles “What are we to do?” Peter’s answer is simple but challenging: Repent. Turn your life around. Choose God. Let’s be honest…no one likes being called out. But deep down, we all have moments where we know something in our life isn’t right. That feeling? That’s not guilt to crush you. That’s God trying to wake you up and call you to something better. And here’s the crazy part: 3,000 people changed their lives that day. One moment. One decision. New direction.

In the second reading, we are reminded that following Jesus isn’t always easy. It says “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.” We all know that Jesus didn’t just talk about loving others but he lived it even when he was hurting. When we go through suffering in our lives like dealing with drama, being misunderstood, or trying to do the right things but it doesn’t always work out, Jesus gets it. He was rejected, judged unfairly and hurt by people. But instead of responding with anger, He responded with trust in God.That’s the challenge: Can you still choose love, patience, and faith when life isn’t going your way? I know I’ve struggled to do that but because Jesus shows up how, I know I can strive to live my life the way He did. Sometimes it’s easier and sometimes it’s difficult but it’s all meant to allow us to continue growing stronger in faith and our relationship with God.

In the Gospel, Jesus is the shepherd and says “My sheep hear my voice…and they follow me.” The real question we ask ourselves is “Do we actually hear His voice?” Our life is full of noise and can be difficult figuring out what to listen to. Social media, friends and family opinions, pressure to fit in and our own doubts can oftentimes distract us from what Jesus is trying to get through us. Not every voice deserves our attention and can lead us to places we never meant to go but if we’re open to hearing what Jesus has for us, we’ll know it’s from Him because of the peace, purpose and truth His voice gives us. I know I’ve had moments where I would struggle and it could be a song or an unexpected conversation with a person that overcomes me with this feeling I can’t describe but a sense of trust that it’s from God. I know Jim often refers to those times as God Moments.

All three readings connect in a powerful way. We are reminded to repent and change direction when we have the feeling in us to do something better, to stay strong when things get difficult and follow the example Jesus shows us, and to listen to the right voice. 

So ask yourself, “Who are you following with your life 
and what voices will you listen to that brings you closer to God?”

I end this reflection with a prayer:

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, You call us to follow You, but sometimes we get distracted by other voices.nHelp us to hear You clearly in the middle of our busy lives. Give us the courage to turn back to You when we mess up, and the strength to stay faithful when things get hard. Lead us to the life You promise…full, real, and true. 
Amen.