This Sunday is traditionally referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. However, the readings for today focus more on the flock than on the shepherd. The overarching theme appears to be unity in diversity. Placing this theme within the context of the Easter season, we might refocus it slightly and suggest that today we celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord in communities of difference.
Unity in diversity is first found in the divine union of the Trinity. All other models of unity flow from it. Both the first and the second readings depict communities made up of people from every nation, race, people and tongue, Jews and Gentile alike. This is precisely the makeup of most communities today. Parishes and religious groups that were born with a particular cultural identity have changed in complexion and composition. Despite the obvious differences, all are children of the one God, all are joined in their common confession of faith.
Not everyone is happy with diversity. Some within the early community resented the success of Paul and Barnabas and they tried to turn the people against them. This sounds strangely familiar to us. Religious groups born out of struggle and hard work, that were lovingly nurtured and that grew strong, often resist what they perceived to be the invasion of foreigners. If these people could only take as their model the company of the blessed revealed in John’s vision, they would see that those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb come from every nation and race and people and tongue.
© Dianne Bergant CSA, https://www.liturgyhelp.com/calendar/date/2025May11/0/RefDiBer