This weekend we have the great joy in the Gospel of the biblical verse that was on my ordination card. It is a verse that is easy to remember because it is John 10:10. “I have come that you may have life, life in all its fullness” [sometimes translated as “abundance”.] To use modern parlance, this is Jesus giving us his mission statement. He wants the very best and fullest experience of the gift of life that has been bestowed upon us by God his loving Father.
Preceding this statement is a passage about the shepherd who calls to his flock that knows his voice and are protected by him from danger and harm and leads us, as our psalm says, to green pastures and places of repose. It is so comforting to know that we are known so completely by God because it means that we can totally trust him, who loves us so tenderly. All we have to do is to respond and live our lives as fully as possible. Life is the great gift and we should take every opportunity to be the son or daughter of God that we are called to be and live life it in all its wonder; remembering that this wonder is joy-filled, mercy-blessed and compassion-lead, that inspires us to love as we are loved. So go on, live the fullness of your life and by your witness inspire others to do the same.
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter