ACTS 2: 14, 36-41
PSALM 22: 1-6
1 PETER 2: 20-25
JOHN 10: 1-10
Today is Good shepherd and so is also Vocations Sunday, when we are called to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and also pray for priests and bishops who serve the Church today, that they may be strengthen to be faithful to the call God has given them.
We also know Jesus who is the Good Shepherd. Some may ask though today where is the God, the Good Shepherd? If God is the Good Shepherd, why does he not help us today?
There is a story of a long time past of a little boy whose parents had died and was raised by his aunt. Years later after he had grown up, he received a letter from his aunt. She had a terminal illness and from the tone of her letter he knew that she was afraid of death.
He then wrote a letter to her a letter which read:
“When I was a little boy of six feeling so alone, you sent me word that you would give me a home and be a mother to me. I’ve never forgotten the day when I made the long journey to your house. I was so disappointed when, instead of coming for me yourself, you sent your servant, Caesar, to fetch me. I well remember my tears and my anxiety as I sat on the high horse, clinging tight to Caesar as we rode to my new home.
As night fell and it drew dark before we reached your home I became even more afraid.
“Do you think that she will go to bed before I get there?” I asked Caesar. “Oh No,” answered Caesar. “She’s sure to stay up for you. Soon you will see her light shining in the window.”
Then as we rode in sight of the house, there was your light shining. I remember that you were waiting at the door; that you put your arms tight around me; that you lifted me, a tired, frightened boy, down from the horse. You had a fire burning and a hot supper waiting on the stove. After supper you took me to my new room; you heard me say my prayers and then you sat with me until I fell asleep.
I tell you this story because very soon, God is going to send for you, and take you to a new home. I’m trying to tell you that you needn’t be afraid of this summons or the strange journey or of the dark message of death. God can be trusted: God can be trusted to do as much as you did for me so many years ago.
At the end of the road you’ll find love and a welcome waiting. And you’ll be safe in God’s care. I’m going to watch and pray for you until you’re out of my sight. And I shall wait for the day when I make that same journey myself and find you waiting to greet me.”
No matter what road our present journey takes at this time, the Good Shepherd is always there with us.
Pope Francie in speaking to the youth one day had this to say when asked: “How can we see God’s hand in the tragedies of life? ”He replied: I’ll tell you a secret. In my pocket I carry two things: a Rosary, to pray, and something else which may seem a little odd….What is it?
It’s the story of God’s failure: it is a little Way of the Cross, the story of how Jesus suffered from the time he was condemned to death until his burial. With these two things, I try to do my best. But thanks to these two things I don’t lose hope.”
Even in the darkest of moments our Good Shepherd walks with us.
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY is about the hope we have because God is with us ALWAYS
It is the promise He made to us.
Merredin Catholic Parish 