Our reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter is by Deborah Meister from Living Faith, daily Catholic devotions.

I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. —  John 10:10

Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who haven’t understood what He’s been saying about the shepherd leading the sheep through the gate. The language of Jesus seems beyond the Pharisees’ grasp. Ever patient and compassionate, Jesus lays it on the line: He wants everyone to have life more abundantly.

Those who know Jesus understand an abundant life closely resembles the life of Jesus, and they accept the gift of abundant life not only for themselves but for all others. When we freely choose to live the abundant life as Jesus has shown us, we choose to respect the life of every person and to forgive even when no one apologizes. The abundant life is a leap of faith that calls us to believe in the resurrection so deeply we accept suffering in all its mystery. The abundant life, lived in every moment, carries us into eternal life.

Meister holds graduate degrees in theology and literature, with pastoral ministry and director of religious education certifications. She is a former editor of Living Faith, and works as an author, editor and educator. Together with her husband, Deacon Bill, they have lived in eight dioceses. They have two adult daughters and three grandsons. Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds — lay people as well as clergy and religious.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you’ve been through, it’s never too late to begin again. — Joyce Meyer, You Can Begin Again: No Matter What, It’s Never Too Late…