Christ Our Good Shepherd Cares for Us
Readings: 1st: Acts 2: 14.36-41; Ps: 22; 2nd: 1 Pt 2: 22-25; Gos: Jn 10: 1-10
This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com
Today, the fourth Sunday of Easter, the church celebrates Christ, the Good Shepherd, and world day of prayer for vocations. Today, we rejoice because, Christ leads us to safety and salvation.
In the first reading of today, Peter, the Apostolic good shepherds, played his pastoral role very well. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, his preaching converted three thousand persons in one day.
Here, the lesson is simple. A shepherd who prepares himself well, and works with the Holy Spirit, is a powerful instrument in God’s hands. Peter was prepared. So, God gave him an abundant harvest of souls.
In the second reading, the same Peter reminds us that, a shepherd must endure for the sake of his flocks as Christ did: “Christ suffered for you, and left an example for you to follow. He carried our faults in his own body on the cross.”
In today’s gospel, Christ highlighted the qualities and marks of a good shepherd. First, “he is the one who enters through the gate.” Second, “his sheep hear his voice, and follow him because, they know his voice.”
Third, “he calls his own sheep, and guides them.” This simply means that, a good relationship must exist between a shepherd and his flock. A relationship based on love, trust, and mutual respect.
So, as the sheep of his flock, we must make Christ the shepherd of our soul. We must listen to his voice in the scriptures, and in the teachings of the Church. Also, to be truly part of Christ’s flock, we must follow his examples.
If we draw close to him, we shall hear, and recognize his voice. He invites us: “Come to me, and I will give you rest” (Mt 1:28). He never fails, because he knows the path we walk every day. As his little children, he knows when to carry us on his shoulders, for our own safety.
So, let us confidently sing: “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life (Ps 23:1.6). Alleluia, alleluia!
Peace be with you all!
Maranatha!
frcanicenjoku 