{"id":2763,"date":"2020-05-03T01:00:30","date_gmt":"2020-05-03T00:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.markinchchurch.org.uk\/?p=2763"},"modified":"2020-05-02T18:05:06","modified_gmt":"2020-05-02T17:05:06","slug":"a-reflection-for-the-fourth-sunday-of-easter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.markinchchurch.org.uk\/?p=2763","title":{"rendered":"A Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dear Friends,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope that you are managing to cope with the\nrestriction imposed upon us at the moment because of Covid19. This is a\ndifficult and trying time for all of us. \nHowever, the consequences of not accepting the restrictions does not\nbear thinking about; this virus has taken too many lives already and we must\nbring it to an end for the sake of us all. \nWe will come through this; be strong and be safe.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yours aye, <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Alistair.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter:- \u00a0Psalm 23 and John 10. 1 – 11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we know about Jesus early life is somewhat\nsketchy We know where he was born and all the circumstances surrounding the\nbirth. We know that his parents took him to Egypt to escape from Herod\u2019s plan\nto kill him.  After Herod died, he\nreturned home.  When still quite young he\nwent to the synagogue and engaged with the elders there, discussing the\nScriptures.  After that we assume that he\nworked alongside Joseph learning to be a carpenter.  In the gospel narratives He is referred to as\nRabbi or teacher.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we then go on to talk about Jesus being\nthe Good Shepherd, it doesn\u2019t mean that he was ever employed as a shepherd;\nit\u2019s very unlikely that He ever stood guard over a herd of sheep;  the dynamic of sheep and shepherd seems\nuncomplicated whilst at the same time being profound.  A good shepherd not only makes sure that his\nsheep are kept safe and led to the best pastures. In these readings this week,\nwe learn something really quite important about our relationship with Jesus and\nJesus with us.  All that is required is\ntrust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shepherd needs to know the conditions and\nthe lay of the land, and the sheep need to listen and know the voice of the\nshepherd and recognize Him as the good and caring shepherd who doesn\u2019t only\nlead them and takes them to the best pastures but protects them too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the public part of Jesus life, that is\nafter he was baptized and began his ministry demonstrated Jesus\u2019 selflessness\nis demonstrated very well; healing, caring, feeding and healing, ,\nunderstanding, always non-judgmental with even those intent on stoning to death\ntheir enemies, loving the unlovely, building up those who felt down-trodden and\nthe marginalized,  and even all of that\nsimply doesn\u2019t do Jesus justice.  However,\nthe community John\u2019s gospel speaks to, something like 80 years after the resurrection,\nwere satisfied to have Jesus bear responsibility for shepherding them in their\nfaith. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We too, at all times have to put our trust in\nthe Christ. Jesus is a trusted leader who knows us all by name and leads us to\na place where we will have a fulfilling life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following Christ means taking up a cross, the\nthought of which might be scary, because it looks like we are being led to\ndeath not life.  But we can be sure that\nJesus is leading us to the right place. \nHe died on his cross so that we will not perish but have everlasting\nlife.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christ calls us each by name and he leads us,\nas a shepherd leads his flock along a pathway that he has already walked before\nus.  For those who trust in him and have\nthe courage to follow, an abundant life awaits. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Prayer. \n<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loving Father, we pray for all those who feel\nunable to cope with the pressures of daily life at this time, those facing the\ndarkness of despair and fear.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living God, thank you for all who work to bring\nhelp and healing for the sick \u2013 doctors, nurses and all medical staff.  Support and strengthen all those who share in\nthe work of healing and all who strive to bring relief  to those in hospital or in care homes or in\ntheir own homes, and bring comfort to all those who grieve the loss of a loved\none, and be very close to the scientists who strive to fine a vaccine for\nCorona viruses.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.  <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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