Fourth Sunday of Easter

The Good Shepherd, Bernhard Plockhurst

Good Shepherd Sunday

"Jesus said: ‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.’" Christ Himself is the Good Shepherd, who knows each one of His sheep, who gives His life for them and snatches them from the jaws of the marauding wolf. He is the true shepherd who fulfils Ezekiel's prophecy foretelling for Israel a shepherd from the end of time who was to deliver his people.

Christ's sheepfold is the Church. In the Church He bestows on us His life in the Sacraments, His word in the teaching that she gives us, all the riches of His grace to light up our way and uphold our steps as we go forward to our heavenly home; through her He acts as the one Shepherd of our souls. Appointed to lead the flock, Peter gave his life for those entrusted to his care, and ever since then the priestly ministry has assured the continuous presence in the Church of Him who remains the true Shepherd of our souls.

Mosaic from the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna

The Fourth Sunday of Easter marks the 53rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations instituted by Pope Paul VI in 1964. Parishes are especially encouraged to include prayers for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We give thanks for all those who have given their lives to the Priesthood and ask that young men will continue to answer God’s calling so that Christ’s sheep may be nourished from the Lord’s table. May Our Lady of Vocations inspire vocation in many young people today.

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