May 07, 2017
Fourth Sunday of Easter
I am…? Can we say something about ourselves? Like: “I am a pastor.” “Pastor” comes from the Latin: “shepherd” and “to graze, to feed.” Jesus says: “I am the Good Shepherd.” Not only does this title describe how Jesus understands his person and mission but it is an enduring image of how we remember Jesus especially on the 4th Sunday of Easter when girls and boys are receiving their First Holy Communion.
The Good Shepherd calls the sheep by name and they recognize his voice. This special communication with Jesus takes place when we pray and when we listen at Mass during the Liturgy of the Word. The Good Shepherd leads the sheep to water and green pastures. Jesus feeds us with his very life, his Body and Blood, during Eucharist at Holy Communion. Jesus continues to care for all of us who have entered into friendship with him and who live with forgiveness, compassion and kindness.
When we say “Amen” as we receive Holy Communion we are saying: “Thank you” for the precious gift of God’s love in Christ. We are also saying: “Yes” to follow Jesus as our Good Shepherd and to trust in him.
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Third Sunday of Easter
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Fifth Sunday of Easter
