SUNDAY SERVICE

On this the fourth Sunday of the Easter season, the analogy of sheep is again used in the Gospel.  It is a little foreign to us in America because we seldom see sheep or know much about them.  When I traveled to Ireland, they could be seen all over the country.  Here is what you should know.

Sheep are domesticated farm animals raised for their fleece, meat and milk.  They are flock animals that keep to their herd and feed strictly on vegetation.  They will feed most of the day and have stomachs that can store cud which is re-chewed.   A sheep's tendency is to constantly look for food.  They develop a kinship with their shepherd who they relate to finding food and water.  Instead of herding sheep, a shepherd can walk ahead and they will follow.

Sheep were the most common farm animal at the time of Jesus. On special occasions, it was customary for a Jewish family to bring something to the synagogue to be offered to God as a sacrifice.  A young, healthy lamb was the best sacrifice a Jewish family could offer.  Jesus is called "The Lamb of God" because God sent him to be sacrificed for us.

Jesus has also been called "The Good Shepherd" because he leads his flock.  Jesus leads us to food and water...the water of Baptism and the food of the Eucharist.

On this day, Jesus calls himself the gatekeeper.  This is the gatekeeper of the area where flocks of sheep are kept while the shepherds go about other business.  Now his disciples are the shepherds and the gatekeeper allows the sheep to follow them.
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