Dear Friends,

In May, our gospel readings explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus in light of his Resurrection, which we celebrated on Easter Day, and his subsequent ascension back in to heaven. All four readings come from the Gospel of john. A summary of each follows.

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples on several occasions. One such occasion John tells us was by the Sea of Galilee, where he tells the disciples to go fishing, after they had just spent the night fishing and caught nothing.  He tells them where to throw their nets with the result that they catch so many fish they were unable to haul their net in. He also forgives Peter for denying him the night he was arrested.

Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke, John tells us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who will look after us, protect us and care for us. We will be able to recognise his voice and act on what he says, just as sheep recognise the voice of their shepherd and respond to what they hear.

What will go on to mark the followers of Jesus out from those around them will be the way they love one another. John reminds us that Jesus told his disciples that they are to love one another, just as Jesus first loved them. We are to follow their example.

In order to live out the Christian life, after he has gone back in to heaven, Jesus says he will send the Holy Spirit upon his disciples, which will empower them to live out the lives he has called them to. John reminds us that the Holy Spirit will, as Jesus puts it, remind us of what he said and did and guide us into all truth.

As a result of Jesus’ resurrection and our belief in it, we are to listen to Jesus’ voice and to follow him as our Good Shepherd, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, to live changed lives, marked out  by the way we love one another      

Alleluia, Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Andrew