The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

The fourth Sunday of Easter is known in our Liturgical Calendar as the Good Shepherd Sunday. So, on this Sunday the Church, the People of God, reflect on the meaning of God’s call and pray for vocations.

It is providential that this Sunday coincides with Mother’s Day. Why? Because it is the prayers of mothers, the care they provide, and the way mothers nourish children that fosters that first encounter with God. This is not meant to take away the credit that is due to fathers. Mothers play an important role in the faith journey of their children. Let us take for example St. Augustine, and how his faith was enkindled by his mother. St. Monica, with her tireless prayers to God, helped to open the heart of the restless Augustine. Our Lady is a great example of how children listen to mothers; at the wedding feast at Cana, she tells her Son that the bride and groom ran out of wine, and Our Lord performs His very first miracle.

Families, mothers, and fathers are the very fabric of our Church. It is in the family environment that many priests and religious first encountered the call to serve the Lord. It is in the midst of the family that children first recognize the gentle voice of the Lord calling them to Him.

Let us ask the Lord to provide shepherds after His own heart. Let us ask the Lord to shower His blessings and graces upon all families, so as Domestic Church, each family may foster and kindle the light of service on their children.