Easter 4th Sunday
God, Our Father and Mother
Let me start with a simple question:
Have you ever felt unnoticed… or like no one really understands you?
Most of us have. And when that happens, even a small act of care—someone listening, someone remembering us—can mean everything.
That’s why today’s Gospel is so powerful. It reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent. God cares for us deeply—personally—with a love that is both strong like a father’s and tender like a mother’s.
In Scripture, God even uses the image of a mother. He says, “Can a mother forget her child? Even if she could, I will never forget you.”
Think about that. Even the strongest human love—God says his love is greater.
So today, I want us to reflect on God’s love through three simple images we all understand—especially from a mother: protection, sacrifice, and discipline.
1. Loving Protection
A loving mother protects her child instinctively. She watches, she guides, she stays alert.
Jesus uses a similar image today. He says, “I am the door of the sheep.”
Now, that might sound strange to us. But in those days, the shepherd would actually stand at the entrance of the sheepfold. He became the gate. Nothing could come in without passing through him.
That’s what Jesus is saying:
“I stand between you and danger. I guard you. I watch over you.”
And notice—He’s not a barrier to keep us trapped. He is a door that leads us to life.
Like a child who feels safe in a mother’s arms, we are invited to feel safe in God’s presence.
There’s a beautiful story about Moses. One day, a little lamb ran away from the flock. Moses chased after it and found that the lamb wasn’t being stubborn—it was just thirsty. So instead of scolding it, he gently carried it back. Because of that compassion, God chose Moses to lead his people. That tells us something important:
God’s care is not harsh—it is understanding, patient, and full of love.
2. Sacrifice
Every mother knows sacrifice. Giving up sleep, comfort, time— often without recognition.
Jesus takes that love even further.
There are two ways a shepherd can lead sheep. One walks behind them, pushing them forward—ready to run away if danger comes.
But the true shepherd walks in front. He leads. And if danger appears, he faces it first.
That’s Jesus.
He doesn’t push us from behind.
He walks ahead of us.
And he doesn’t run from danger—He gives his life for us.
That’s the kind of love we are being invited to trust.
3. Discipline
Now, this one we don’t always like.
But real love corrects. A good mother doesn’t let her child walk into danger.
In the same way, God guides us—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Think about Peter in today’s reading. He speaks boldly: “You crucified Jesus.”
That must have been hard to hear. But it touched their hearts. And they asked,
“What must we do?”
That question is for us too.
When God corrects us—through Scripture, through people, through our conscience—it’s not to condemn us. It’s to lead us back to life.
Making Space for God
Let me share a simple story:
A professor once went to a wise master to learn. The master began pouring tea into his cup… and kept pouring… until it overflowed.
The professor said, “Stop! It’s full!”
And the master replied, “You are like this cup. You are too full to receive anything new.”
Sometimes, we are like that.
Too full of pride.
Too full of distractions.
Too full of our own ideas.
If we want to experience God’s love, we have to make space.
So today, Jesus tells us: “I am the door.”
He is the one who leads us to the Father.
The one who protects us.
The one who sacrifices for us.
The one who gently corrects us.
And through him, we discover a God who loves us completely—with both strength and tenderness… like a father and a mother.
So maybe today, we can ask ourselves:
- Am I trusting his protection?
- Am I following his lead?
- Am I open to his guidance?
- Am I making space for him?
Because if we do, we will not just feel cared for…
we will truly live in his love.
