Today is the fourth Sunday of Easter usually called Good Shepherd Sunday because the gospel for this Sunday always focuses on Jesus as a shepherd. It also is the 60th World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
Jesus established the mission of the Church when he commanded the Apostles to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). With St. Peter as their spokesman, the Apostles followed Jesus’ instructions as our first and second readings today emphasize. St Peter has a clear message for us “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”
By our baptism and confirmation each one of us, in fact every Christian, is called to witness to the truth and proclaim the good news of the Gospel. Every Christian is called to put Jesus Christ at the center of their life. And every Christian has a responsibility to nurture and encourage vocations in the young men and women who may wish to dedicate themselves to full-time service bringing about the Kingdom of Heaven. We need good shepherds.
In his Epistle to the Colossians 3:12-17, St. Paul gives us our Christian vocation description. “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these, put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Sisters and brothers, we should demonstrate these virtues in every facet of our lives; in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our parish and in our work places. Living this way assures that we will “have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Loving God,
you speak to us and nourish us
through the life of this Church community.
In the name of Jesus,
we ask you to send your Spirit to us
so that men and women among us, young and old,
will respond to your call to service and leadership in the Church.
We pray especially, in our day,
for those who hear your invitation to be a priest, sister, or brother.
May those who are opening their hearts and minds to your call
be encouraged and strengthened
through our enthusiasm in your service.
Amen.
