Sunday, April 21st

While there is a different focus in each of the three cycles of Sunday readings, every Gospel for the fourth Sunday of Easter focuses on the Good Shepherd.  For that reason, it is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Sheep are timid, easily scared, and vulnerable. A good shepherd guides and protects them, he lays across the gate to keep out danger, he stands up to the wolf.
 
The image of the Good Shepherd is perfect for the Easter season, because Jesus was the Good Shepherd who laid down His life to save us. He always wants to guide us, to protect us, to be there for us. There are two important points to reflect on as we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday:
 
First, Jesus wants to help us and guide us, but we have to cooperate.  We have to be listening to Him.  We do that in community when we listen to the scriptures and homily at Mass, but we also have to do it ourselves by spending quiet time talking with Him, listening to Him, asking for His guidance. I can’t emphasize enough the importance to our spiritual life of quiet time with the Lord each day: it is never time wasted.
 
Second, we call ourselves “Christians,” which means we have committed ourselves to do our best to live as Christ modeled for us.  Christ lived a life of being a Good Shepherd and protecting others, especially the lowest of the low.  Think of the woman caught in adultery, the 10 lepers, Zacchaeus the tax collector, etc., etc.  If we truly want to live as Jesus did, we need to do our best to be good shepherds to those around us, especially those who might be rejected or ignored by society. 
 
I invite you to spend some quiet time this week reflecting on Jesus, our Good Shepherd, allowing Him to speak with you and help you grow into being a better good shepherd for others.  God bless.
 
Church sign of the week: you can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.