Acts 11:19-26,
Psalm 87: 1-3.4-5.6-7,
John 10:22-30 Full Readings
Belonging to the Flock of Christ: Christian
Brethren do you know our roots as Christians? How can you explain your origin as a Christian when asked to? Christianity has a long history but the first reading today presents to us the very first day when Christianity emerged.
After the resurrection, the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and not only Apostles but many other disciples who had followed Jesus in secret. With the gift of the Holy Spirit they went around the whole world, this time outside Israel to the Gentiles as Jesus had commanded them in Mathew 28:19, doing great works and preaching the Risen Lord.
The Gentiles are those sheep which Jesus talked about in the previous Gospel; the ones who were not part of the flock he had but he had to bring them also to form one flock and one Shepherd: Him. This work of bringing them was entrusted to his Apostles and disciples which they did very well.
They performed miracles in the name of Jesus, preached with authority, went around many places even Africa (St Mark the Evangelist), formed Christian communities all in the name of Jesus. They did the exact things which Jesus has done in this world. Reaching at Antioch, people saw Christ in them and it is at Antioch that they were first called *Christians.* They were called Christians because they acted like Christ doing whatever he did. From then the Church grew until today.
Brethren, what makes us Christian? Is it a name, going to church, mere baptism or Christianity in us? We are all aware of the saying, "Going to Church doesn't make you Saint" and Jesus also says not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of God (Mt 7:21). This means Christianity is not a name, or going to church or anything else apart from living the Christian values and virtues. It simply means Christianity is to be seen in words and actions, practicing what we believe and teach. The disciples wouldn't have been called Christians if they had not done the very works that Christ did.
Therefore Brethren, if we claim that we are Christians let people see that Christianity in us. This happens when we imitate Christ in our lives, who is a Good Shepherd. It is here that we belong to the flock of Christ, we understand Him better, hear and recognize his voice and follow him on the way to the life everlasting.
When we live our Christianity, we can no longer need to tell people we are Christians but it will be written on our faces and in this way we are following Christ who revealed himself through actions not just self proclamation. In the Gospel today, the Jews could not understand Jesus is a Messiah because they did not believe in his works which he was doing in his Father's name. They wanted Jesus to say it direct that he is a Messiah. However, Jesus' language is of action and to understand this language, we need to have faith in him. Having faith in him means we belong to his flock; we are Christians. The Jews could not understand his works because they were not part of his flock.
Brethren, are you part of the flock of Jesus? Do you listen to and recognize his voice and follow him? Do you do what he tells you to do but above all imitating him? If so then you have eternal life, and the ultimate security and protection which he promises in the Gospel today: none of his sheep will be stolen from him not even becoming lost; more so for the lost he will look for them. If you are not yet part of the flock, it's time to join the flock and savour the Lord's goodness.
Let us pray
Lord, give me the courage, strength and the graces I need to always imitate you and live my Christian values so that seeing my good works, all may give praise to the Father in heaven. May I always listen to you and recognize your voice when you call me and follow you always while doing your will. Amen.
Be blessed forever and Happy Easter Season
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