The Fourth Sunday of Easter (GA)

Matthew 26:30-35

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 26:30–35). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

 The people of God are hopefully scattered but not to a broad extent.  Jesus here speaks of the coming death of himself.  Jesus reminds his disciples there are tough days ahead.  But even as the people are scattered from the garden running in every direction.  Even as St Peter was not willing to confess the name of Christ during his trial.  God's people have been scattered around the world.

God has sent his people into the world.  Jesus Christ commanded his people to spread the Good News of his death and resurrection.  Christ as our Good Shepherd guides and cares for his people.  He encourages and strengthens his people to live their lives with great grace.  He is truly the head of our Church.

This Head or shepherd of our flock has been struck down.  He has been crucified.  He died and was buried.  But our Shepherd was not destroyed.  He destroyed death.  He won the Victory over the Grave.  Because our Shepherd was struck down we his people have been scattered.  We proclaim this good news to all the world.

Just as a shepherd is there to take care of the flock, sometimes he has to lay down his life for the sheep.  He does this and sends his sheep into the hills.  He sends them there not fleeing in fear as they did that night when St Peter did not confess his name.  But they go with great joy and gladly confess his name before other sheep and wolves.  Christ has died.  Christ is Risen.  Christ will come again.