We live in a world that is constantly trying to define “the good life” for us. The “thief,” as Jesus describes in this Sunday’s Gospel, comes to steal, kill, and destroy our sense of peace by telling us that we are never enough, that we don’t have enough, or that we are defined only by our mistakes.
But Easter has changed the rhythm of our lives. We are no longer people wandering in a valley of dry bones. We are a people who have heard a voice calling us by name. Our readings for this Sunday allow us to explore what it looks like to move past the gate and into the “Abundant Life” that Jesus promises—a life that is not measured by what we possess, but by whom we follow.
The Blueprint of Community (Acts 2:42-47) In the Book of Acts, we see the immediate “aftershocks” of the Resurrection. The early Christians didn’t just have a new belief; they had a new call for living . They devoted themselves to four things: the apostles’ teaching, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
This was the first “Beloved Community” in action. They didn’t just talk about grace; they “pooled and allocated” their resources so that no one was in need. They met in the temple courts and broke bread in their homes with “glad and sincere hearts”. This is the physical evidence of the Abundant Life: it is a life that is wide open to the neighbor, a life where the “water jars” of self-interest have been left behind for the sake of the whole.
Following the Scars (1 Peter 2:19-25) However, the Abundant Life does not mean a life free from suffering. Peter writes to those who are enduring “the pain of unjust suffering”. He points us back to the Shepherd, but specifically to a Shepherd who carries scars.
Peter reminds us that Christ suffered for us, leaving an example that we should follow in his steps. When he was insulted, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Like the “Resident Foreigner” at the table in Emmaus, Jesus shows us that true power is found in the “breaking”—in the tangible acts of love and endurance.
“By his wounds you have been healed,” Peter declares. The Abundant Life is a “healed” life—not because the wounds are gone, but because they no longer have the power to define us. We have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
The Voice and the Gate (John 10:1-10) This brings us to the sheepfold. Jesus describes himself as both the Shepherd who enters by the gate and the Gate itself.
The sheep follow the Shepherd because they recognize his voice. Throughout this Lenten and Easter season, we have been training our ears to hear that voice. It is the voice that:
- Called “Lazarus, come forth!” to unbind us from our past.
- Offered “Living Water” to the woman at the well to quench her deepest thirst.
- Whispered “Peace be with you” through the locked doors of our fear.
The thief speaks in the voice of society, you are never good enough. But the Shepherd speaks in the voice of “Everlasting Love,” telling you that you are ransomed, chosen, and known.
Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (or abundantly). This “fullness” is what we see in the “taking-blessing-breaking-giving” at the table.
Abundant life is found when we:
- Take our daily lives, even the parts that feel like “dry bones.”
- Bless God for the “Amazing Grace” that finds us when we are lost.
- Break our hearts open to the needs of the world, whether through our prayers, our presence, or our collective taxes that support the “wider neighborhood”
- Give ourselves over to the rhythm of the Spirit, walking in “newness of life”.
The Gate is open today. The Shepherd is calling your name. He is inviting you out of the “locked rooms” of cynicism and into the green pastures of community. You are a member of Jesus’ flock, guided by the one who laid down his life so that you could stand up and dance. Listen for his voice. Follow his steps. And step through the gate into the life that is truly abundant.