As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, we give thanks to God for the gift of his life and ministry, and for the countless ways he has inspired us to deepen our faith and live out our call to love and serve one another. We pray now for the repose of his soul, and that the Holy Spirit will guide and sustain the cardinals in their choice of a successor.
‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them.’
On this ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’, the Gospel verses are taken from the tenth chapter of St John. Here Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd, who brings life, love and protection to those within his flock.
In the First Reading, St Luke describes a turning point in Paul and Barnabas’ ministry. Rather than discouraging them, their rejection by the Jews fills them with fresh confidence to preach the message to the Gentiles. They are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit as the Church then begins to expand throughout the whole region.
The Psalm is full of joyful thanksgiving. It is a powerful reminder that we are made by God. We are the sheep of his flock and he will never ever abandon us.
The Second Reading reflects God’s diverse and inclusive plan for salvation. This heavenly scene depicts people from all corners of the earth, of every nation, tribe and language. We are united in faith and rejoice in God’s unconditional, limitless love.
In the Gospel the image of the Good Shepherd reassures us that we do not have to earn God’s love; it is freely and unconditionally given to all of us. All we need to do is hear his voice and follow him.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee year, we pray that we will be liberated, rejoicing in the knowledge that we already belong to God whose love for all people is abundant. How might I bring this message of unity and acceptance to different communities during this Easter period?
