An animal is a central figure in readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (Rev 5:11-14 and John 21:1-19). This animal, a lamb, calls up and unites rich meanings of our faith. The lamb is a sacrificial animal in biblical Judaism, the covenant animal. When we speak of Jesus as the Lamb of God, we are humbled by the covenant he made with us, sealed with his blood, and which he renews at every Eucharist. The Lamb of God is not a victim, however, but a victor. Revelation equates this Lamb with God: “the elders fell down and worshiped” both the one on the throne and the lamb. This victorious, power filled, risen Lamb has done the Godly action of taking away the sin of the world. In the Gospel is the “heart message” that balances out the power image from Revelation. For the Lamb also is the Shepherd, concerned for his lambs, the flock, the sheep. Today and in the next weeks we will hear more about the intimate bond between shepherd and sheep. Like Peter, if we say we love the Lord, then we also are called to take care of and nourish His sheep. Who are the ones we have been given to care for right now in our lives? We represent to them the covenant love of the Lamb of God. How are we doing with that?
– Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia