On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the gospel reading comes from John 10. This passage describes Jesus as a shepherd. It is an image with Messianic overtones, drawing on Psalm 23 ‘The Lord is my shepherd’ and the shepherd ‘who will look after my sheep’ in Ezekiel 34. Many of the Easter stories are characterised by confusion, mistaken identity and a failure to recognise the Risen Lord. In this meditation on Christ the good shepherd, John says that the sheep ‘hear his voice’ - just as the man born blind in John 9 responds to Jesus’ voice and is healed. Lazarus was dead four days but hears Jesus call him by name and comes from his tomb. Mary Magdalene, mourning the death of Jesus, hears Jesus call her name. She recognises his voice. This recognition is characterised by familiarity. It provokes a sense of safety and security. It is the starting point for enabling us to discover life in all its fulness. But this gospel story also provokes in us a question: where do we recognise the authentic voice of God today? In this podcast, we will listen to a reflection by Erica Longfellow, Dean of Divinity and Chaplain of New College. The podcast is introduced by Alan Ramsey, Associate Priest.
Welcome The Revd Alan Ramsey
Prayer The Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Hymn Now is eternal life
Reading John 10.1-10 (Peter McMullin)
Organ Interlude
Sermon The Revd Dr Erica Longfellow
Anthem Lassus, Agnus Dei (Missa Qual Donna)
Prayers Mary Lean
Blessing The Revd Dr William Lamb
Organ Voluntary Stanley, Allegro from Voluntary in G minor (Opus 5 no. 9)
