HOMILY FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C (11TH MAY, 2025)

This is your usual programme: 'GOD IS WITH YOU' by your humble servant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Bartholomew Koroma, CSSp. A member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers commonly known as Spiritans.
Our First Reading is taking from Acts of the Apostles 13:14 & 43-52. In this passage, Paul and Barnabas arrive in Antioch of Pisidia and attend the synagogue on the Sabbath. After the main service, many Jews and devout converts follow them, excited to hear more about their preaching. Paul encourages them to continue in God’s grace, and keep living by God’s mercy. Some Jewish leaders become envious when nearly the whole city turns up to listen to them on the next Sabbath. These leaders start criticizing and opposing Paul. The Jewish rejection of the gospel leads to its formal expansion to the Gentiles, fulfilling a major theme in Luke-Acts: the gospel breaking ethnic and geographic boundaries.
The Second Reading is coming from Revelation 7:9 & 14b-17. This passage talks about John’s vision of a large crowd, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb (cf. Revelation 7:9). This shows God's inclusive kingdom and represents the universal reach of salvation and the triumph of the redeemed. This multitude's identification is made clear; they are those who have emerged from the great tribulation after washing their garments in the Lamb's blood. This represents their anguish as well as their redemption through Christ. They are therefore constantly in God's care and serve Him in His sanctuary. God assures them that the Lamb will lead them and that they won't starve, thirst, or suffer any more.
Our Gospel is coming from John 10:27-30. Here, Jesus delivers a profound and comforting declaration about the relationship between Himself and His followers, whom He refers to as His “sheep.” He affirms His mutual relationship by stating that: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (cf. John 10:27). This imagery reflects the intimate and trusting bond between Jesus and His disciples. The sheep recognize His voice, suggesting discernment and obedience, while Jesus’ knowledge of them reflects a deep, personal relationship.