Easter 4
Collect for Easter 4
Raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
1 John 3: 16-24
John 10: 11-18
Some facts about sheep.
1. Sheep form deep bonds with their offspring which last for years
2. Sheep are more intelligent than you give them credit for. They support each other, and grieve when they are bereaved. They are as intelligent as dogs.
3. They have wonderful memories – they can remember 50 faces (Both other sheep and human) for years
4. They have amazing peripheral vision – twice as good as humans
5. They are quick learners
6. They are social animals – they flock together
7. They seek a leader to follow, for protection and guidance – they become stressed and disoriented in the absence of a recognised shepherd. Unfortunately, they trust without discernment, and as such are open to being deceived and manipulated.
So its not necessarily an insult when Jesus compares His followers to sheep needing a shepherd (much better than being called a goat – sheep are safety-motivated – goats are appetite-driven and will risk their own safety to eat). In fact, He is demonstrating His care, not just for a majority, but recognising the threat to, and value of, each and every one, and is prepared to risk His life to protect them.
The false shepherd is different – they seek to lead for their own purposes, not for the sake of those who follow. If it suits them, they will abandon their flock.
We only have to watch the TV news to see the various people who would offer themselves as plausible leaders and solicit our support. Some of them are no doubt genuine – some of them are certainly corrupt. It’s sometimes difficult to know. There is only one leader who invites us to follow of whom we can be sure – the one who is prepared to lay down His life.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
Praying Together – A Thought for Good Friday 2026
Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Praying Together 22 March 2026
“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.