A Blessed Good Shepherd Sunday Greeting
I wish you a blessed and happy Fourth Sunday of Easter. Today is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday.
The Heart of a True Shepherd
Shepherds are people who care for their sheep. They live with the sheep. They protect the sheep. They comfort the sheep. They correct the sheep. They are watchful and vigilant. They are always on guard over their sheep. The foundation for their dedication to the sheep is their love for their flock. It was from the sheep that the shepherd obtained the wool for his clothing and milk for his nourishment. The shepherd served the sheep.
Jesus: The Good Shepherd
Jesus self-identifies as the Good Shepherd. He applies all the requirements of the shepherd to himself. Jesus gathers his flock, calls his sheep by name, and even lays down his life for his sheep. We are his flock. Jesus corrects, is watchful, and protects his sheep.
Called to Shepherd in Christ’s Place
Jesus accomplishes his shepherding by calling shepherds to act in his place. These shepherds are our bishops, pastors, priests, religious, and dedicated lay people who serve us. Those who act in the place of the Good Shepherd must know the Good Shepherd, learn from the Good Shepherd, be dedicated to the spiritual and temporal welfare of the congregation, correct firmly but kindly, and always serve the flock. At times the shepherd may even have to lay down his life for his flock or congregation.
Christ Calls Us By Name
In Sunday’s Gospel, we are told that Christ calls us by name. We are invited to hear the voice of the Shepherd in our hearts. Jesus knows us by name. He knows us individually and as a member of the community.
Discerning the Shepherd’s Voice
How do we know that voice? In a world of many voices found on the internet, Facebook, television, newspapers, and all social media, how do we discern the voice of the Good Shepherd? With the advice and expectations placed on us by friends and family, how do we recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd in our lives? Who helps us to hear the voice of Christ in our hearts and souls?
Where to Find Christ’s Voice
We are invited to hear the voice of the Lord through contemplating the Gospel and other sacred texts. The voice of the Lord is spoken in the Tradition of the Church, especially in the writings of the Fathers. The voice of God is found in being involved in our local parish community. It is found in the cry of the poor and the joy of the young. The voice of God is discerned for us by good and spiritually minded priests, sisters and bishops, parents and teachers, and it is found in the depths of our innermost being.
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
April 24, 2026