He Guides Me in Right Paths ~ by Barbara Vaughan

Good Shepherd Sunday

The parish is likened to a mother. The more young people that she guides into the priestly vocation, she becomes known as a very good mother. This Sunday's theme stresses how we should follow the footsteps of Christ.

Today's readings centered on the theme of "The Good Shepherd." An understanding of these verses empowers us with the Holy Spirit. In the Book of John, Chapter 10, "...the gatekeeper opens the gate and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out."

How do the sheep recognize the voice of the Shepherd? The Shepherd names each sheep; the Shepherd holds them close and lies with them until he smells like the sheep. This is how the sheep know him.

A Sheep is unable to find his way on his own. A sheep is a foolish animal, easy to stray. Sheep will follow tracks in the field that make them stray. The Good Shepherd always leads his sheep.

Today we are asked to blindly follow Christ. It is a great challenge; but the right voice gives eternal life and joy. When one reads the scripture, one can really hear the voice of the Shepherd calling his sheep to become one with him.

In the second reading from 1st Peter, "If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God." Christ left us examples. We should follow in Christ's footsteps.


~ Fourth Sunday of Easter ~