Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

WEEKLY THOUGHTS FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 11th, 2025.

Dear friends welcome to the celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Easter also known as Good Sheperd Sunday. It is dedicated to praying for young people to discern their calling in various vocations. Let us continue to pray, nourish and encourage our children to embrace Consecrated life.

The election of Pope Leo XIV brought us great joy as now the Church has a Shepherd to take care of the flock. Let us keep him in our prayers for this enormous task of leading the Church to salvation. Pope Leo XIV joins the unbroken Apostolic succession in the line of Peter- the first Vicar of Christ. Jesus had entrusted to Peter; Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, and feed my sheep.” This responsibility is at the heart of Pope Leo XIV Pontificate. Let us keep him in our prayers. For us priests, we pray for the Pope at every Mass.

The Gospel Reading of this Sunday is from John 10: 27-30. Jesus tells his disciples before this section; “I am the Good Shepherd.” Jesus goes on to mention the qualities of a Good Sheperd besides feeding or giving the sheep nourishment, Jesus ensures security and protection to them from all potential enemies and predators. Jesus declares that he is a safe shelter for the sheep.

He tells the Jewish leaders, many of whom had witnessed the cure of the man born blind, of his relationship of unity and love with God his Father. Jesus goes on to invite everyone to share into this intimate relationship of Jesus with his Father by listening to his teaching.

Jesus as a teacher and Son of God knows the sheep and those that listen and follow Jesus. Listening includes hearing with one’s ears and responding in obedience from one’s heart. The sheep that listen are ensured with absolute security and eternal life or glory.

Jesus’ teaching to the Jewish leaders sounds blasphemous and make Jesus punishable by stoning to death. Let us pray to establish an intimate relationship with God and to surrender ourselves to Jesus the absolute source of security and salvation.

Have a great week and jubilation for Pope Leo XIV.