Easter 4th Sunday
Acts 2:14a, 36-41; 1 Pet 2:20b-25; Jn 10:1-10
God, the Father and Mother
At times, we may feel unnoticed or uncared for. Yet when someone truly listens and values us, it deeply touches our hearts. Today’s Gospel reminds us that God cares for us with a love that is both fatherly and motherly—tender, faithful, and deeply personal.
Scripture beautifully expresses this nurturing love. In Isaiah (49:15), God says, “Can a mother forget her child? Even if she could, I will never forget you.” Hosea (11:1-4) also portrays God’s affection: “I led them with cords of compassion, with bands of love.” These images reveal a God whose care is gentle, patient, and constant.
Jesus reflects this same tenderness. He is moved with compassion for people who are “like sheep without a shepherd.” He seeks out the lost and rejoices in bringing them back. In contrast to careless leaders of the past, God promises to personally care for His people—and this promise is fulfilled in Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Today’s Gospel highlights three qualities of God that resemble a loving mother: protection, sacrifice, and discipline.
Loving Protection: A mother protects, nurtures, and guides her child. In the same way, God watches over us with constant care. Jesus says, “I am the door of the sheep.” In biblical times, the shepherd would stand at the gate, guarding the flock. Jesus becomes that “door”—the one who stands between danger and safety, offering life and security.
Unlike the barriers we often think of today, Jesus as the “door” is not meant to divide but to protect and lead us to fullness of life. Just as a child finds comfort in a mother’s embrace, we find peace and safety in God’s presence. The Good Shepherd knows each of us personally and leads us with love and commitment.
A beautiful story about Moses illustrates this care: when a lamb ran away, he followed it and realized it was simply thirsty. Instead of scolding it, he carried it back with compassion. God chose Moses to lead his people because of this tender care—a reminder that true leadership begins with love.
Sacrifice: Another motherly quality is sacrifice. A mother gives up countless things for her child without expecting anything in return. In an even greater way, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers himself completely for us.
There are two ways a shepherd can lead sheep. One is to walk behind them, driving them forward—ready to flee and save himself if danger comes. The other is to walk ahead of them, leading with courage. In this case, the sheep follow with trust, knowing their shepherd will face any danger first and even lay down his life for them. Jesus leads us in this second way. He does not drive us from behind; he goes before us, guiding and protecting us through his own sacrifice.
Discipline: True love also includes correction. A loving mother disciplines her child not to punish, but to guide. Similarly, a shepherd uses his staff to keep sheep from wandering into danger. God’s discipline may be difficult, but it helps us grow and leads us toward what is right.
This was seen when Peter boldly told the people, “You crucified Jesus.” His words stirred their hearts and led them to repentance. They asked, “What must we do?” That same question challenges us today: how can we follow our Good Shepherd more faithfully?
Emptying Ourselves to Receive God: A simple story tells of a professor seeking wisdom from a master. As the master poured tea, the cup overflowed. When the professor protested, the master said, “You are like this cup—too full to receive anything new.” In the same way, we must empty ourselves of pride and distractions to make room for God.
Jesus is the living door who leads us to the Father’s loving presence. If we allow him, he will guide us, protect us, and fill us with his life. As children of a God who loves with both fatherly strength and motherly tenderness, we are called to trust him, follow him, and live in his love.
