From the first reading we heard how, out of jealousy, the Jews in Antioch of Pisidia contradicted Paul and Barnabas. Whereas many of the town’s people came out to hear the Good News of salvation, the Jews rather came to count the number of people attracted to Paul and Barnabas – misplaced priority. Seeing that the two apostles were making great impact on their audience, the Jews became really jealous. In doing so they rejected the path to salvation. (Thanks to God, they rejected the message of God’s mercy preached in the name Jesus Christ). If they had accepted it, you and I would have still remained in the darkness of our sins.
Yet we must be careful how we practice our faith. The fact that we have now come to know God as a result of the refusal of the Jews to accept Jesus Christ does not give us a free visa to God’s mercy – it paves the way. We have to work hard to remain in God’s grace. Therefore, taking a clue from the 2nd reading, we must make the effort to be counted among “…the ones who have survived the time of great distress.” (7:14b). To be able to stand before God and be sheltered by the one who sits on the throne, we must have washed our robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (cf. Rev. 7:15b & 14).
When the chosen people revolted against God’s messengers, the gentiles received God’s word with great Joy. They accepted the message that gives eternal life.
Those who accept the message of Salvation are the true sheep of the Divine Shepherd Jesus Christ. Of them, He says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” (Jn. 10:27, 28). Many of the inhabitants of Antioch heard the good news and became believers. For them it was great joy to be counted among the people of God.
Today it is your turn and my turn. What is our attitude towards the good news of God’s mercy? Do we receive the message of salvation with joy, or do we choose and pick that which suits us and what we are comfortable with? To serve God, one must give all. Not half measures. The Jews in Antioch who could not give all, became enemies of the good news. In our case today, who do we resemble; the gentiles who received the message with joy or the Jews, who expelled Paul and Barnabas?
Though the Jews instigated some influential people to chase Paul and Barnabas out of their town, they could not chase out the word of life. For the Word of Life is the Good shepherd Jesus Christ. He makes Himself accessible wherever His word is preached. And those who do not reject Him, He leads to Springs of Living Water.
In celebrating Good Shepherd Sunday (which is also Vocations Sunday) we are reminded that the Good Shepherd still calls everyone to Himself and gives access to the mercy of God through His Church.
For this He was born, for this He was slain. Yet to prove that sin and evil do not have the final word in the life of the children of God, He rose from death to assure all creation that on those who accept God’s mercy through the Son salvation has dawned.
We pray that we may hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and turn to Him for eternal life.
For those making life-long choices, especially our youth, that they may listen more attentively to the voice of the Good Shepherd and make the right choice of vocation.
