The Living Stone

In today's second reading and in the Gospel we  hear of edifices, whether it be of the cornerstone of the building and of the dwelling places that are in the Father's house.  Reflecting on the second reading from Peter in which the word stone is used, let us think of a stone.  As defined in the English Oxford Dictionary a stone is "A piece of rock or hard mineral substance (other than metal)." We typically think of stones as immovable objects or something that cannot be broken.  As a child I remember going out to the local river in which the beach was full of stones.  None of these could be broken.  The origin of these stones come from a much larger piece of rock.

Applying this to the reading today that larger piece of rock is Jesus, immovable, steady, and everlasting. In this large stone many rooms can be constructed. These rooms are for his followers.  Taking this a step further the stones that we find in our journey are the followers.  They have weathered the wind, rain and inclement weather of the world.  These stones are not grains of sand which have been eroded by sin and the passions of the world. Instead they will be gathered up the Builder who is constantly adding rooms to His house, his universal church.  Each of us has been chosen to a stone, to add to the kingdom, as well as to gather other stones so that the house may be strong.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled," states Jesus to the disciples.  "You have faith in God; have faith in me also." Let us have faith in Jesus that He will take us to the dwelling place prepared for us.  Build on your faith, on your foundation which is Christ. Become that rock for those around you that sustains the elements of the world.  Let sin not penetrate the stone, although we may survive the hammer that strives to break us down, which at times may inflict chips, in putting our faith in the cornerstone we will be joined in the one dwelling cemented by faith. Become refined, smoothed, and glimmering stones of faith, so that we can be seen a piece of the Father's work.

The Good Shepherd

As we continue the good shepherd narrative in John, we hear Jesus talking of the hired hand in comparison to the good shepherd.  If we think of the hired hand who works for pay and has no concern for the flock and apply it to today's world, we see the hired as today's materialistic world has no concern about the greater good but only for the individual.  The hired hand works for pay which is a temporal reward as it is with all the worldly goods that surround us.  Yet these goods and riches are fleeting, never satiating the thirsty soul.

The good shepherd is willing to lay his life for the flock and pursue those who run away.  Furthermore he will aid those in distress.  Think of the popular picture of the shepherd who holds the lamb as he returns to the flock. Jesus will go to the farthest depths of our souls no matter how far we wander from him.  He will gently bring us back to the fold where we will find rest for our weary souls.  By offering Himself for our brokenness and sinfulness he thus brings us back and will do so no matter how many times we wander.  As sheep are sheared the dirty wool falls off to expose and bright white unblemished skin.  Let it be with us so that the Shepherd of life can clean us of our heavy wool laden with sin so that we can become new.

The Shepherd

In today's Gospel Jesus message to the Pharisees was quite clear and applies to us as well.  The flock will not follow strangers because they do not know them, but when they hear the voice of their true shepherd they will enter through the gate and find pasture.  The shepherd also is able to cure those sheep who have slipped and injured themselves as well.  Hoof rot is common malady among sheep and those appointed to their care will trim away the infected part of the hoof so that it does not become further infected.  Moreover, if the bacteria is not treated it can spread to the whole herd.

Here we have a parallel.  Jesus being our shepherd can cure us of our sinfulness to that we can become part of the fold.  The more we try to cure ourselves as the Lord stated "Physician, heal thyself." we become more infected with the sin that has overtaken us. The sin spreads to the rest of our souls and may eventually infect others. Following Jesus is difficult in that we as sheep are overcome by the worldly desires and turmoil around us.  We do not hear the bell ringing of the one sheep who leads the flock nor do we hear the voice of shepherd as we become busy, distracted and complacent. The wolves are constantly looking for ways to attack us, to drive us away from the flock.

Seek the shepherd. Repent and become part of the flock. The Lord is our true shepherd. Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want ...

Redistribution

Today's Readings Acts 5 John 6

Although the multiplication of loaves is a well known story, let us take a closer look at the interaction between Jesus, Philip and Andrew.  Philip doubts that there is enough food to feed the throng that has assembled.  Not quite knowing the power and love of Christ, his faith in what Jesus is about to partake in is minimal.  "Give us this day our daily bread." Jesus is about to feed the crowd not only with food but of himself.  Words we come to know Jesus by, yet many times we question Jesus or fret we do not have enough money, food and worldly possessions.  Jesus knowing what we need will always provide for us in his great and infinite love.  Andrew also questions "what good is these five loaves and two fish for so many?" When we see what Jesus does in that what he gives is visible in our worldly possessions and daily sustenance, but also in that which is invisible, namely his grace, healing and his body for our sins can we not pause and rejoice.  "Give thanks to the Lord with a ten string harp" (Psalm 33) says the psalmist today.  Can we not redistribute what Christ has given us in love and compassion for others?