4th Sunday of Easter
Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, we focus our prayer on how pastoral care of each other can continue into the future. If our idea of ministry were to emphasise relational service rather than dominant authority, would more people be willing to take on that kind of pastoral role? The challenge is for all parishioners to somehow be shepherds to one another. This involves the effort to learn the names of individuals who join us in Mass, so as to be able to greet them by name and make them really welcome.
The Good Shepherd knows each of us personally, and calls us each by name. The more we build a sense of belonging and of trust in the parish, the better we can identify the ones who would be good shepherds. We might then quietly approach them to take on the kind of leadership that our Church needs for today.
The spiritual reward for staying close to our Good Shepherd is described in the Book of Revelation: “They will never hunger or thirst again. For the Lamb who is at the throne will be their shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water.” As we receive this Good Shepherd in Holy Communion, we trust him to lead us to that living water and bless us with a closer relationship with him personally, and with others in his name.
Fr. Mark Franklin.
Where would we be without our mother’s love? Lord, bless our mothers with wisdom to teach and guide their children in a way that will help them to follow You and to become men and women who will be pleasing in Your sight. Give all mothers the patience to deal with the difficulties of their vocation and, most of all, give them a special blessing as they care so lovingly for the children that You have allowed them the honour of raising. Amen.
