We Are God’s People, the Flock of the Most High
The 4th Sunday of Easter, is nicknamed “Good Shepherd Sunday” because the gospel readings according to John have Good Shepherd and sheep references. So, today’s psalm relates more to the Gospel than the 1st reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Psalm 100 is an invitation to come before God with joy and thanksgiving knowing who we truly are – God’s people, the flock of the Most High. This psalm speaks of God, the Creator of the universe, as a tender shepherd. Although we at times try to put God in a box, we cannot invent or limit God, but we are invited to accept God’s loving care. God’s covenanted love and faithfulness endures for ever. We are called to worship in community, one voice, unified in our diversity.
All the earth cries out to you with shouts of joy, O God,
Serving you with gladness; coming before you, singing for joy.
You, Creator of all, are God. You made us, we belong to you,
we are your people, the sheep of your pasture.
We enter your gates with thanksgiving,
and your courts with songs of praise!
We give you thanks and bless your name.
Indeed, how good you are,
enduring, your steadfast love.
You are faithful to all generations.
[verses adapted from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]