Dear Parishioners,

On this fourth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate with joy Jesus who is our good Shepherd who laid down his life on the Cross to gives us forgiveness for our sins, freedom to become adopted children of God and salvation to be with God whenever die. We are at the same time invited to pray for vocations to the priestly and religious life that God will send committed and dedicated labourers into his vineyard to protect and lead his faithful people to pasture.

This Sunday we reflect on the image of Jesus as the good Shepherd who devotedly takes care of his flock. In the gospel of this Sunday from John 10 from verse 11 to verse 18, Jesus uses the image of a Shepherd and his Sheep to describe his relationship with his followers. He points out that the duty of the Shepherd is not only to protect the flock but also to lay down his life for his cherished flock. According to him, the good Shepherd sees his responsibilities towards the Sheep as a vocation or a calling rather than a profession through which he makes his daily living. His relationship is one based on love and absolute commitment.

This is not case with a man hired to tend the flock. His motivation is the stipend he receives at the end of the month. Since there is no commitment, a hired man in the face of danger abandons the sheep and runs for his dear life instead of putting up a strong fight to drive the enemy away. Jesus the good Shepherd is the only one who could fight the number one enemy of human beings which is Sin, and defeated sin and in John chapter 19:30, he said it is finished. We are now free to live our lives as redeemed free children of God as long as we are determined to stop patronizing Sins and live for Christ Jesus.

Today’s gospel charges us with the responsibility of becoming good Shepherds reminding us that anyone who is entrusted with the care of others is a Shepherd. We are encouraged today to pray for more people to respond to Jesus’ call to serve him in the Priestly and Religious life as his Shepherds.

Have a blessed week,

Fr Vincent Nnatuanya, CSSp