Our Sabbath Scripture Stories – 4th Sunday of Easter – Cycle A

Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

  • Acts 2:14a, 36-41
  • Revelation 7:9, 14b-17
  • John 10:27-30

“Mom … do I really have to?” Vincent whispered to his Mom in hushed tones.  “I think it’s a little embarrassing … “

“I know, Vincent,” his mom reassured him.  “But your sisters have been working hard to make this Sunday’s Gospel come alive for us.  I think the least we can do is cooperate.”

“I just hope none of my friends are peeking in the windows.” Vincent lamented.

His mom laughed.  “Just keep thinking what a blessing this is to your sisters, Vincent.  Come on, it will be fun!”

Four-year-old Hillary and 8-year-old Lucy bounced into the living room.  “We’re ready!” they exclaimed.

“Oh, boy, here we go!”  Vincent sighed.

Dad began addressing his family.  “This morning for our Gospel reading, I have asked Lucy and Hillary to help.  Lucy studied all about sheep last semester, and since this is sometimes known as Good Shepherd Sunday, she has some real insights for us.  Hillary is her aide.  Okay, Girls, what do you want us to do?”

“Well, first of all, we want you, Dad, to put on this robe, and put this towel on your head,” Lucy began as she handed the props to her father.  “You’re going to be our shepherd!”

“And … ” she added, “we want the rest of you to put on these!”  Reaching into a bag, Lucy and Hillary pulled out white knit caps.  On the caps, Lucy and Hillary had glued cotton balls in a most haphazard way.  The little girls, in their attempt to make the Gospel come alive for the family, were turning the rest of the family flock into sheep!  This is what Vincent knew was coming!

“Now, Everyone stand over there in the kitchen, and Dad stand in the doorway,” Lucy instructed.  With a sigh of resignation, Vincent and Mary Clare put on their caps and did as they were told.  Mom, Baby Ben, Lucy, and Hillary put on their sheep caps and went willingly to the doorway.

“One last thing before Dad starts reading,” Lucy said.  “All of us sheep have to get on all fours and crawl along!”

Vincent burst out laughing.  “I should have known!” and he obediently did as Lucy told him.

Dad began reading the Gospel of John, Chapter 10.  At Lucy’s cue, the sheep followed the shepherd through the doorway, and the flock pranced into the living room, right behind the shepherd.

“What a great video this would have made!” Dad exclaimed, when the reading was finished.   “You followed right behind me and didn’t hesitate.”

“Lucy, why don’t you share with us what you learned about sheep, and why Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd,” Mom said, as she gathered up some of the costumes.

“Well, what I learned is that sheep will only follow the voice of their shepherd because they know they can trust him,” Lucy explained.  “They feel safe with the shepherd and know they won’t get harmed.”

Then she added,  “Jesus wants us to follow His voice, because it says that a good shepherd will lay down his life for his sheep.  And Jesus laid down His life for us when He died on the cross.”

“Wonderful Lucy!” Dad said.  “You are right when you say that Jesus laid down His life for us, like a true good shepherd would lay down his life for his flock. 

Mary Clare nodded.  “If someone was merely hired to watch the sheep, when danger came, the hireling would run off and look out only for himself.  He would abandon the flock, but Jesus is saying that He will never abandon us.”

“And this Gospel also makes the point that there is only one door or one gateway to enter into salvation,” Mom said.  “And that’s with Jesus standing by the door and leading us into glory.” 

“I guess there’s no climbing over the walls or through small windows to sneak into heaven!” Vincent laughed.

“That’s right, Vincent,” Dad agreed.  “Jesus is the only way to enter.  As our Good Shepherd, we need to trust Him, listen to His voice, and know He will never abandon us.”

“Well, I guess the best way to get started today being part of the flock of Jesus is to hear His voice when He says that it’s time for Mass!” Mom said.

Quickly and without question, the family scurried around and headed for the door.  Then Dad abruptly stopped and started to laugh.

“Vincent,” he chuckled, “I know you’re eager to be in the flock of Jesus, but … maybe your sheep cap should remain at home!”

Vincent stood there horrified.  “Ahhhhh!” he yelled, noticing he was the only one still wearing his sheep garb.

Dad could hardly contain himself laughing.  “Not ‘Ahhhhhh!’ Vincent, but ‘Bahhhhh!’ “

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd,
and I know mine and mine know me.”
(John 10:14)

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Cycle A, 4 Easter, SSSDownload

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