Weekend Reflections for 4/15/16

The Risen Shepherd

"My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand."

 Jn 10:27-28

In John's Gospel Jesus is both the lamb of sacrifice as well as the shepherd whose self-sacrificing love protects and cares for all of the sheep. The apostles and disciples of the early church knew and remembered how Jesus had been their shepherd, their protector, the one who always saw that they had what they needed. When they were lost, he went looking for them; when challenged and frightened, he comforted and strengthened them. The witnesses of the risen Lord always insisted that it was Jesus of Nazareth who came to them, the same person they had known and experienced before he was nailed to the tree. He bears the wounds of the nails and spear in his hands and feet and side.

Jesus' death and resurrection changes the experience and meaning of death. No longer is it punishment and falling into darkness but passage into the loving hands of God Himself. We return to the One from whom we came, as did Jesus. He promises us eternal life and pledges that to be our destiny. Alleluia!

The White House Retreat PAR 3 Classic will take place next Friday-April 22nd at Gateway National!  Space is still available if you'd like to join us.  Find out more and register at www.whrgolf.com