Posted by The WORD in other words (2016) by Fr Ruper Solis, SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
4th Sunday of Easter – C
Today is the fourth Sunday of Easter when we also celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Easter. Good Shepherd. Vocation. Three big ideas, three huge concepts, and three enormous points, But have one common denominator: Jesus and His mission.
I like to watch boxing bouts and UFC fights on TV. For this I have been criticized by many, of course, by those who don’t like these “sports”. They would tell me, “that’s not sports, that’s violence”. I usually don’t argue with them. I simply say, “Perhaps yes. But I like it. I’m sorry. I also sin”.
We are taught that Jesus died for our sins. But, every time I contemplate on the passion and suffering of Jesus or on the Christ Crucified with His wounds and blood, I’m reminded not only that He has redeemed me from my sinfulness, but also that He is the Greatest of all fighters, as the Champion of all champions. And His way of winning the crown is much different if not totally different from that of other “fighters”. His character, his attitude and his style are far distinct. His discipline and passion for His mission are far beyond compare.
This is my personal reflections on the World Day of Prayer for vocation, the Good Shepherd Sunday, and the 4th Sunday of Easter with its great denominator Jesus and his mission. First, our vocation is mission, I’m always at your service Father. Yes, I believe that our vocation is mission. With this, we are like the “sheep who hear His voice” and follow him in His mission.
Second, Jesus’ mission is to be a Good Shepherd , that is, “He lays down His life for the sheep”. This is also our mission, to be like Jesus, to be good “fighters” in our everyday “battles”, to be ready to lay down our lives in helping and extending our hands to others as Jesus said “No one can take them out of my hands”.
Lastly, Easter is the crown or the belt of the champion of champions of the Mission. Easter is the fulfillment of the Mission, the victory of the “greatest fight” ever known. When we share in Jesus’ vocation and mission, we also share His crown.
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