Firmly in Your Hand
May 8, 2022: A Reflection for the Fourth Sunday in Easter Time, Yr C
John 10:27-30
No one can take them out of my hand. (Jn 10:29)
“I’ve got you! Don’t worry, I’m holding on to you.” As a child, it meant a lot to hear those words from my mother or father when life seemed so much bigger than a frightened child could handle. I was safe in their hands and at peace. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that he is the good shepherd, the one who leads us to the verdant pastures of trust and love where we can find rest. We are securely in his hands, and nothing can wrest us from them. “I’ve got you. Don’t worry, I’m holding on to you. Nothing can take you out of my hands,” he says to us.
Jesus, Good Shepherd, help us to follow where you lead. To hear and know your voice. When the skies cloud over and the wind pushes us, one time this way, another time that way, call to us over the din that life can sometimes throw at us and lead us to the life-giving water of trust in your abiding presence where you wipe away every tear from our eyes. “I’ve got you. Don’t worry, I’m holding on to you.”
Jesus, we, little ones that we are, are the Father’s gift to you! Indeed, the whole universe is a gift of love to you from the one who is greater than all – your Father. We are your gift, and your gift to us is eternal life in you. Let us recognize your voice and follow. And when we stray, scoop us up in your arms and carry us. Heal the cuts and bruises we manage to get in the scuffles of daily life. Help us to yield to your shepherd’s crook, pulling us back from danger. And then let us be there for one another, to care for each other’s needs in your name, to give of ourselves in loving service. Lead us, Good Shepherd, and let us hear your voice: “I’ve got you! Don’t worry, I’m holding on to you. No one can take you out of my hand. The Father and I are one.”