Friends, on this fourth Sunday of Easter, Our Mother Church celebrates Christ the Good Shepherd. We continue to rejoice because He is the one who leads us through the difficult paths of life. The readings of this Sunday, the Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocations Sunday, invite us to see Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock. This image shows Jesus’ deep love and care for each one of us. We are reminded to trust in His guidance and protection. Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, help us to hear Your voice and follow You. Guide us through our struggles and protect us from harm today. May we always trust in Your love and care.
Friends, in the first reading of today, Peter, the head of the Apostles, played his pastoral role very well. By the power of the Holy Spirit, he spoke on behalf of the rest. Of course, his speech was a great success. This is because it led to the most significant conversion of souls ever recorded in the history of humankind in a single day. That is, three thousand converts. Brothers and sisters, the lesson here is quite simple. A shepherd who prepares himself and works with the Holy Spirit will become a powerful instrument of conversion in God’s hands. God knew that Peter was prepared and capable, so he gave him a great harvest of souls.
Friends, in the second reading today, Peter further reminds us that to be a good shepherd, one must endure ordeals as Christ did for the sake of his flock. He was not selfish and did not neglect his duty. Instead, he persisted and gave everything for the good of his flock; “Christ suffered for you and left an example for you to follow. He was bearing our faults in his own body on the cross.” Brothers and sisters, these are the qualities of a good shepherd. The good shepherd offers everything for the sake of his flock. He does not believe in half measures; it is either all or nothing. We must imitate Christ, the good shepherd who dared the devil to save us. We must say like Christ, “I will.” Lord, let me take care of the sick, the orphans, the weak, the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. Lord, let me fight for their course. Let me be their light, hope, pride, and shepherd. Do not be like those who remind us day and night not to be our saviors or John the Baptist, but as good shepherds, each one of us has a responsibility towards someone.
Friends, in the gospel of today, Jesus points out more qualities of the good shepherd; “The one who enters through the gate is the good shepherd of the flock. The sheep hear his voice. He calls his sheep and leads them. The sheep follow because he knows his voice.” Jesus teaches us that we must build a good relationship with our flock based on love, trust, and mutual respect. Brothers and sisters, we also must make Christ the shepherd of our souls. This means listening to his voice through the scriptures, the teachings of the Church’s Magisterium, and the church’s traditions. We must listen to him to be truly the sheep of the Lord’s flock. He never fails. He knows the path we walk every day. He knows when to place us on his shoulders, to take us by the hand like his little children. Friends, Good Shepherd Sunday teaches us about Jesus’ deep care and guidance as our Shepherd. We are called to listen to His voice, follow His path, and support one another as a community of believers. Let us trust in His protection and love, knowing He leads us to eternal life. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a Joyful and prayerful Easter season.
