Easter 4a

Subjected for the Good of Others, 1 Peter 2:13-25

In 1 Peter 2:13-25, St. Peter reminds us that we are to be subject to various kinds of authorities, even if it means suffering because we are to follow in the footsteps of Christ who was subject to authority and thus suffered. However, there was and is a greater authority above all others in our lives and it is God the Father, to whom Jesus was ultimately subject to, thus his willingness to endure suffering. We too are ultimately under God the Father’s authority and we know that he will judge all in righteousness and thus we can trust him in the midst of suffering from other authorities over us.

Image: St. Peter preaching in the presence of St. Mark, Fra Angelico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Good Shepherd of the Word and the Sacraments, John 10:1-10, Psalm 23

Jesus speaks of the shepherd as one who can call out to his sheep and they will come to him. He also says that he is the door for both the shepherd and the sheep. How does Jesus call out to us today? How does he water and feed us? Are there under-shepherds who serve under this one good Shepherd? Father Jeremiah considers the care of the Good Shepherd for us in today’s sermon.

Image: Shepherd and Sheep, Anton Mauve, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Gifts of the Shepherd, Psalm 23, John 10.1-10

The Good Shepherd gives to us everything that we need. He gifts us with the reality of salvation and everything that connects to that very salvation. He comes to us through his grace and creates rest for us that we might feed and be renewed by him. Hear more from Father Jeremiah about this psalm.

Image: Shepherd with Sheep, Thomas Sidney Cooper, Used under license CC0 1.0. Image Location:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-02_Thomas_Sidney_Cooper_-_Shepherd_with_sheep.jpg