I am the Gate...

Fourth Sunday of Easter

"Good Shepherd Sunday"

Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
1 Peter 2, 20b-25
John 10:1-10

Not only is today "Good Shepherd Sunday," but this day is also dedicated to prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The readings fit this special theme perfectly.

Leadership is necessary to keep the community of believers united. As we look at the Gospel reading, we can see the roles that the shepherd must assume.

1. The shepherd must know his flock. Jesus knows us and all our needs.

2. The shepherd must feed and nourish his flock. Jesus taught, preached and provided us with the Sacraments for our journey.

3. The shepherd must protect his flock. The Church protects us from false teaching.

4. The shepherd must lead his flock. The Church has provided us with Bishops who lead the dioceses that are made up of various parishes whose members are the People of God.


Without a true shepherd, the sheep go astray and are at the mercy of thieves and robbers... And thus it is with us also. Without a shepherd and guardian of our souls, someone who has given His life for us, we would still be wandering aimlessly in sin and at the mercy of Satan.

But Jesus has told us that not only is He the shepherd that we follow, He is also the gate through which we must go in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He tells us that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We believe... for only Jesus' way is the right way.



~ The Good Shepherd by James Powell