GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 25, 2021

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, found in the catacombs in Rome.

MASS READINGS:

A reading of the holy Gospel according to John 10:11-18

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.” A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

REFLECTION

I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Craig R is a sheep farmer from Virginia. He was interviewed by Modern Farmer Magazine regarding some of his insight on sheep farming. Some highlights of the interview were the following: a shepherd's life is very humble, the shepherd tends to the flock but cares for the individual, the shepherd provides water, forage and shelter to maintain their health. The success of the shepherd is in the compassion they have for the individual. They identify the sick and injured sheep and assist them. The healthier the individual, the healthier the flock.

The world has never seen a more loving, humble shepherd than Jesus Christ.

Jesus is Teacher, Priest and Shepherd. He has called many men to the dignity of the priesthood to continue His mission. These good shepherds follow His example and are sincerely interested in bringing souls to heaven.

Our Catholic faith provides us with consistency in our purpose of life. Unfortunately many are poorly catechised, follow the easy life of sin, or totally immerse themselves in a life without Jesus.

The Son of God will follow His lost sheep, one at a time, pulling them from the ditches, cleaning them when muddied, being present in their problems, and showing them the path to His Father. He does not run away from the wolf but instead lays down His life for His sheep.

We are that lamb carried by Jesus on His shoulders. In spite of our continued sinning, our putting Him on the Cross and our ungratefulnes, He never abandons us. He lays down His life for us, dying on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

Our PAPA vision is "To see priests on fire for Jesus and His Church, the Body and Bride of Jesus". The priest is a living and transparent image of Christ, the Good Shepherd. We pray for their mission of doing the work of Jesus here on earth. Please join in praying our daily prayer: PAPA Prayer for Priests