My friends, first off today, I want to wish all the mothers a very happy day, and as you know from previous years, we not only remember those women who have given us physical birth, but those who have mothered us emotionally, and spiritually through our lifetimes.  For the most fortunate here, you had a mother who not only gave you physical, but emotional, and spiritual mothering too.  It is important that we raise up the fact that this isn’t true for everyone—me being one, so that it is wonderful that there can be other ways “to be mothered.” 

   Now that we are fully into the month of May, we should lift up one very special mother, sister, friend – Mary of Nazareth.  Our Church through its hierarchy has unfortunately, over time been satisfied to put her on a pedestal and remember that she once said, “Yes” to God, which is significant, but not all that she was about. 

   Anyone who has been, and is a mother, in any of the ways mentioned above, knows that you have to say, “yes” again and again over time to what life brings – any woman worthy of the name has to be strong, committed, brave – having a big heart, and able to give the world, justice, mercy and love.  In truth, no one would call such a woman, “a wall flower.”  We can only hope and pray that our new Pope Leo has such a view of women, and will move in time to recognize their gifts for ministry and leadership in our Church.

   So, friends, beyond Mothers’ Day and reflection upon Mary of Nazareth, this is also the 4^th Sunday of Easter – alleluia!  And within the season of Easter, this is also Good Shepherd Sunday. I was happy to hear Pope Leo include within his opening remarks to the world, that he sees himself, “shepherding all the People of God, because our God loves each person just as they are.” 

   Looking at today’s readings then, beginning with Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas moving beyond the Jews, to the Gentiles, folks like us, in other words.  They were getting resistance from their own people and their response, as we just heard, was to “shake the dust” off their feet as Jesus had instructed and offer their “good news” to those who wanted to hear it!  The Gentiles we heard, “responded to the Word of God with praise,” and [they] “were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” 

   Upon reflection, it seems to me that this might be a good path moving forward in a world, our world, that seems so full of hatred, strife, selfishness, disregard for difference, and power-over-others.  The “path” I speak of, is lifting up all the good possible, concentrating on that, as I shared with a friend this week, treating others as we want to be treated ourselves – setting aside that which isn’t life-giving.” 

   The 2^nd reading from Revelation has John sharing his vision of heaven – “an immense crowd, from every nation, tribe, people, and language.”  We should really reflect today, this week, on what that tells us…God is telling us through John that all of God’s wonderful, beautiful, different people will be there!  So, to spend any time in “negative” spaces over things we personally can’t change is a waste of good energy.  But we can voice our opposition to all that is unchristian, and to those who claim to be “Christian,” but don’t show it in their actions. 

   Additionally, we are told in the 2^nd reading that God will wipe away every tear…with this, I would say, we have our “walking” orders…what our God is willing to do for us, we must be willing to do for others. 

   Today’s gospel from John is a short version of the story of the Good Shepherd, and basically, we are told that [if you have ears to hear, we will] “hear [Jesus’] voice” – [he] know[s] [us] and [we] “follow him.”  The extended story of the Good Shepherd lets us know, as our brother Jesus tells us in this beautiful parable, that he will “go after even one lost one.” 

   Again, it seemed from Pope Leo’s opening remarks that he sees “his new role” challenging him to go after every, “lost one too.” 

   With regard for those needing “shepherding,” this past week, I read several articles about “sex-trafficking” and of how “storefronts” for this disgusting trade, “are more prolific than McDonald’s!” Because it is so difficult, apparently, for law enforcement to get their arms around, the victims are more often the ones arrested for prostitution than are the perpetrators of these crimes, instead of attempting to get to the causes of why this continues to happen. 

   Not being a social scientist, I would simply make a general statement about the status of women in the world and Church.  Women are seen as “less than, not worthy, or called equally to lead, to serve – and until that changes, blame can always be shifted, true causes for evil can be overlooked. 

   My friends, the Easter Season challenges us to dig deep within ourselves, finding all our God-given tools to be our best, to face our world, in its often “messiness,” “holding fast to the grace,” and [shine the] “light” God has given us, as in the 1^st reading says today; to be the change we want to see in our world.  As we have remembered this week 17 years of ministry in this community, let us praise our good God for this opportunity.  May we with each other’s help continue “shining our light.” Amen? Amen! Alleluia!