The Shepherd & the Eucharist (4th Sunday of Easter homily)

 This Sunday is called ‘Shepherd Sunday’ 

because the readings show us Jesus, the Perfect Shepherd, 

and Saint Peter, an imperfect shepherd. Imperfect: that’s what I am!

The next three weeks at several of our Masses,

our second graders will come to Holy Communion for the first time. 

Although we aren’t celebrating First Communions at this Mass, 

many of us have family members or friends receiving the Eucharist 

for the first time in the coming weeks. 

It’s an awesome moment in their lives, and in ours.

Notice in the Gospel, Jesus mentioned 

a “thief,” a “robber,” and a “stranger.”

And Jesus’ point is, he is not any of those things.

Sometimes people think God wants to take things from us.

To take our freedom or things we like to do.

The truth is, Jesus only takes away what hurts us.

Above all, he takes our sins away, otherwise, they will kill us – 

not just in terms of this life, but kill eternal life in us.

Jesus doesn’t steal. He gives.

And right here, this is why it is absolutely necessary 

to know that the Holy Eucharist is not a mere symbol, 

and it absolutely is not merely bread or wine. 

When the priest stands at the altar, 

and Jesus speaks through the priest, 

the bread and wine are wholly changed,

and in their place are Jesus’ own Body and Blood, 

with the mere appearance of bread and wine.

Isn’t it obvious that there’s a world of difference 

between saying Jesus gives us bread and wine, versus,

Jesus gives us his own Body and Blood?

Anyone can give you a snack; or a symbol, like a picture.

But that’s not what the Eucharist is.

Jesus gives each of us his whole, entire self.

So when you and I share Holy Communion – 

in faith, suitably spiritually prepared, 

including going to confession if necessary – 

Jesus gives himself, all of himself. 

There is nothing we shall want.

On Christmas, we all love to get lots of presents, right?

It’s wonderful to find yet another one under the tree.

But imagine getting a gift that was so amazing, so awesome, 

you didn’t even want any other gift after that!

That’s what the Holy Eucharist is! Because the Eucharist is Jesus.

Some people can be skeptical about the distinction 

between the “reality” of the Eucharist versus the “appearance,”

and respond, “you’re still admitting, it’s really only bread and wine.”

No. What we are saying is, this is a miracle.

And here’s at least one reason Jesus chose to do it this way: 

When He instituted the Eucharist, 

would anyone have preferred that it also look and taste 

like real flesh and blood? 

Of course not! That would be repulsive.

So, in His goodness, Jesus gives us Himself entirely, 

yet in a way that is approachable and gracious: 

truly Him, but accessible as ordinary food.

Some of those second graders 

who will make their First Communion, not this weekend, 

but perhaps in the next two, are here now.

Boys and girls, I want to thank you.

You don’t realize how much the rest of us need this moment too, 

so we can be reminded of how wonderful this Gift is 

and be strengthened by your reverence.

And our Shepherd, Jesus, has a role for every one of us.

Our First Communicants always inspire us by their simple awe.

You and I can imitate that awe and reflect it back to them. 

As much as we priests and deacons strive to shepherd our children,

you parents remain their first and most persuasive witnesses. 

In the first two readings, Peter summoned people to faith 

and reminded us that we, too, will share in the trials of Christ.

In the Gospel, Jesus mentions the “voice” that his sheep will recognize. 

That voice is meant to sound through each of us. 

How does this look in daily life?

Each of us can invite others to faith and 

gently encourage one another to go deeper in prayer and holiness.

Our daily lives show others the perseverance in hope 

that Peter speaks of. 

These tasks and more are why our parish family exists.

Today, invite Jesus, our Shepherd, to work through you!