Friends, the fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, focuses on Jesus as our caring and guiding Shepherd. We celebrate our shepherd because he loves and cares for us in all circumstances. He is willing to lead all who follow and obey him to the spring of eternal life. Through the readings of this Sunday, we learn about the importance of hearing His voice, spreading the Good News, and the inclusive call to follow Him. Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, help us to hear Your voice and follow You. Give us the courage to share Your message with others. Guide us in our daily lives and lead us to eternal life with You.
Friends, the first reading of today narrates how the apostles continued to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Today, one significant point is that they have moved a step further by bringing the good news to the Gentiles who accepted it with joyful hearts. This shows that Christ came for the salvation of all his flock. As the good shepherd of all nations, He offers us salvation and protection through the good news. Although he came to the Jews first, it was also his plan to save all nations. Unfortunately, due to ignorance, pride, and stubbornness, the Jews rejected him. However, this became a blessing for the Gentiles who are now God’s elect. Like the Jews of Christ’s time, is there any way we reject the good news today? Any form of stubbornness or resistance against the good news we hear every day is a sign of rejecting Christ as the Jews did.
Friends, Paul and Barnabas faced many challenges, but they did not give up. They understood that people needed to hear about Jesus to follow Him. Their commitment inspires us to be brave in our faith and to share it with others, even when it is difficult. To help others hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, we must speak about Jesus in our daily lives. This can be done through kind words, loving actions, and sharing our faith stories. When we do this, we help others recognize the voice of Jesus and follow Him. By sharing Jesus’ message, we help others join His flock. Just as Paul and Barnabas did, let us be bold in our mission to bring the Good Shepherd’s voice to everyone.
Friends, in our second reading of today, through the vision of John, God assures us that Christ, our Good Shepherd is willing to welcome and save all his children. John tells us; “I saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe, and language; they were standing in front of the throne of the Lamb.” This vision shows us that salvation is offered to everyone. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, wants all people to follow Him, not just a select few. Brothers and sisters, in the past, hearing God’s voice was a privilege for priests and prophets. But Jesus changes this. He calls everyone to hear His voice and follow Him. His message is for all people, no matter who they are or where they come from. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows each of us by name. He cares for us and guides us on the right path. When we listen to His voice, we find the way to true peace and happiness.
Friends, in the Gospel of today, notifies us of our commitment as Christ’s flock; “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, and they follow me.” On the other hand, it also specifies the responsibility of Christ, the good shepherd, towards us; “I give them eternal life, they will not be lost under my protection, and no one will ever steal them from me.” Brothers and sisters, if we heed the voice of Christ, we are assured of his love, care, and protection. Christ, our good shepherd never fails. God is speaking to us, but we need to listen. The noise and distractions of the world can make it hard to hear Him. We must find quiet times and places to focus on His message. In these moments of silence, we can hear Jesus guiding us. He knows us, loves us, and calls us to follow Him. By listening to His voice, we can find the path to eternal life. Today we are reminded to listen to His voice, share the Good News, and embrace His inclusive call. By doing so, we join the great multitude of believers, united in faith and guided by His love. The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Have a blessed Sunday and a fruitful new week to you.
