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Month: May 2025

READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C, SUNDAY 11TH MAY, 2025. (WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS) First Reading: Acts 13:14, 43-52 Psalm: 99 Second Reading: Apocalypse 7: 9, 14-17 Gospel: John 10:27-30. REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM. JESUS CHRIST, OUR GOOD SHEPHERD.Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,We are in the Easter season. Easter is not a one day celebration. It lasts for fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday. Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C. It is called Good Shepherd Sunday. It is also called Vocation Sunday. On this day, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday when we traditionally pray and encourage people for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. The Gospel of John, chapter 10, draws our attention to Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. On Good Shepherd Sunday, we celebrate the Risen Lord’s victory over death. He lays down his life for his sheep. A Good Shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects His sheep. Good Shepherd from this perspective, offers deep Existential Theological and Psychological insights for my reflection today.Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, leads His flock with love, guiding them to peace and truth. Pope Leo XIV, in his first address, echoed Christ’s call for unity, compassion and faith. As Christ shepherds His people, Pope Leo XIV seeks to build bridges, fostering dialogue, listening, belonging and hope in the Church. Belonging, listening and following Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd shapes our identity, purpose and search for meaning. Following Jesus Christ is not always easy. Today’s scriptural readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. In today’s First Reading, Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News and followed Jesus Christ, but they faced rejection and opposition, yet they remained steadfast. This teaches us that following Christ requires courage and perseverance. The ability to listen to Jesus and follow Him demonstrates faith and sincerity of heart in not taking the Words of our Good Shepherd for granted. Paul and Barnabas chose to listen to the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd and followed Him. This reflects the existential reality of faith. Some will embrace Christ, while others will resist. Yet, those who belong to Him find joy, meaning and purpose in life. (Acts 13:14, 43-52). In the same manner, the Second Reading from the Book of the Apocalypse, paints a beautiful picture of a great multitude from every nation standing before God, clothed in white robes. This symbolizes the universal call to belong to Jesus Christ, regardless of background, colour, nationality, language and status. Belonging to Jesus Christ in this context is about being part of a divine family, united in love and faith. The Book of the Apocalypse reassures us that those who remain faithful will be comforted and cared for by God. The Good Shepherd does not abandon His flock. He leads them to eternal peace and joy. (Apocalypse 7:9, 14-17).Today’s Psalmist reminds us of God’s sovereignty and holiness. For the Psalmist, to listen to Jesus Christ means recognizing His voice amidst the noise of the world. (Psalm 99). In line with this teaching, today’s Gospel according to John captures this beautifully. It says: “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me.” Listening to Jesus requires attentiveness, humility and trust. It means allowing His words to shape our thoughts, decisions and actions. In a world filled with distractions, listening to Jesus Christ helps us stay grounded in truth and wisdom. (John 10:27-30).Jesus confirms that He is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep. He knows, leads, protects, loves and died for His sheep on the cross. He lays down His life for His sheep. A Good Shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects His sheep. (John 10:11-18). St. John in his first letter tells us how the Lord expresses His love for us through His Son Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by making us His children and followers of Jesus Christ. (1 John 3:1-2).St. Peter in the Acts of the Apostles explains to the Jews that there is no salvation except through Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. Peter told them that the apostles preach and heal in the name of Jesus our Good Shepherd whom they crucified. (Acts 4:8-12).In the Gospel of St. John, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:14). “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me.” (John 10: 27-28). “I am the gate of the sheepfold.” (John 10: 7). “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). Jesus is true to his name. He knows us by our names and listens to us in our difficulties. He cares for us and leads us to the right paths. He gives us life in abundance. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we are His sheep. We are encouraged to listen and to follow Jesus Christ today. If we listen to him and follow where He leads, He promises us eternal life. We need the help that comes from Christ, from the wisdom found in His Word and from the grace which He bestows us in the Sacraments of His Church. On this day of Prayer for Vocations, we are reminded that “The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37). We are invited to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and the Consecrated Life so that we may have more holy and Spirit-filled shepherds to lead, feed and protect our community and the entire Catholic Church.On Good Shepherd Sunday last year, Archbishop Dermot Farrell called on us to pray for an increase in vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life. He said “At the heart of the Christian vocation is an invitation, the same invitation Jesus extended to the first disciples, to ‘come, follow me.” Today as always, we are urged to become “good shepherds and good sheep, good leaders and good followers” so that God’s salvation may reach “the ends of the earth.” We pray for our young people who are called and inspired by the Spirit of God to serve in the Priesthood and Religious life that they may have the courage and generosity to respond to the call of Jesus.Reflecting deep on today’s scriptural readings, I realised the need for us to address the human longing for meaning and connection. I belief that belonging to Jesus Christ fulfills our need for identity and purpose. Listening to Jesus Christ provides clarity in a world of uncertainty. Following Him gives direction and hope, even in suffering and challenging moments. Faith in Jesus Christ, Our Good Shepherd offers emotional and spiritual security. Knowing we are loved and guided by the Good Shepherd reduces anxiety and fear. Faith in Jesus Christ strengthens resilience. It helps us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and peace. It means that Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd calls us to belong, listen and follow Him. Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. He leads us with love and promises us eternal life. In Him, we find meaning, purpose, comfort and strength. No matter where we are in life, the voice of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd is always calling us to deeper faith and trust.May God help us to discover our true self to enable us experience the joy of listening and following the Risen Lord, the glorified Lamb and our Good Shepherd now and forever. Amen. Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM.

May 11, 2025
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