Gospel Reflection May 12 – Deacon Frank
Sunday, May 12
Fourth Sunday of Easter
John 10: 27 – 30
Gospel:
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
Reflection:
Traditionally, this fourth Sunday of Easter is always known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” as we will hear once again the passage from Saint John ‘…I am the good shepherd, I know my sheep…and my sheep know my voice…’ Good Shepherd Sunday is also a day of prayer set aside for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated Religious life.
In every age the family of the Church is in need of those willing to dedicate their entire lives to shepherding the flock, but in today’s Church we are becoming more and more conscious of the fact that every disciple of Jesus, by virtue of Baptism, is called to share in the ministry of shepherding, caring for, and healing those in need.
Once we commit ourselves to the Lord we recognize that we are the brothers and sisters of Jesus, children of the Father, members of Christ’s body. We all have a vocation, a calling from God. Within our own country and in many parts of the world it is important that we stress the need for this, because the Christian community will flourish only if all are using their gifts to ensure that we remain vibrant and united in the Lord.
Let us continue to pray at Mass this weekend for the needs of the Church, remembering that we are called to a life of love and service.
Deacon Frank Iannarino