Sheep and the Lamb of God

Homily for Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Eastertide

My Sheep

For the past three days, we have been hearing a great deal about shepherds, sheep, and sheep gates. Jesus has identified himself as the Good Shepherd, and in doing so, he has also identified us as his sheep. In today’s Gospel text, Jesus tells the people who are questioning him that they are not his sheep because they are not listening to his voice.

However, we have to remember that one of the titles that we frequently give to Jesus is the “Lamb of God.” With this title in mind, we realize the beauty of the Incarnation. Jesus, the shepherd, has become one of the sheep. Not only is Jesus one of us, as one of the Easter Prefaces notes, Jesus is the and the lamb of sacrifice.

This close identification of Jesus with us, which is a mystery in itself, gives me pause to ask myself how well I listen to the voice of my shepherd and how willingly do I join myself with him in his suffering on the cross. Jesus is the priest because it is he who offers the sacrifice. Jesus is the altar because he willingly allows himself to be nailed to the cross. However, if there was nothing to sacrifice, there would be no reason for a priest or and altar. Jesus is the Lamb of sacrifice who gives his life for the sheep.

Like so many of the images that St. John uses in the Gospel, this seems to be a circular image. Indeed, it is. The priest, the altar, and the Lamb of sacrifice cannot be separated just as Jesus cannot be separated from his Father. Throughout our day, let us remember that we are those whom Jesus calls “my sheep.” At the same time, let us remember that Jesus is part of the flock, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.