In today’s gospel passage Jesus draws upon
imagery associated with sheep herding. His listeners were aware of the practice
of herding the sheep into a protective corral during the night to protect them
from wild animals and thieves. In the spiritual sense, there are times when we
are the thieves who claim to be concerned about the sheep (other people) but
deceive them by offering quick fixes, which promise salvation without the need
of painful personal conversion. People wrongly think that if we go through
certain external rituals or by certain special prayers, we will find salvation
in spite of our attachment to sin and other selfish behaviors. Or that reaching
an emotional pitch of fervor, which cannot be maintained, will guarantee our
future happiness. Prayers and rituals and fervor are wonderful and necessary,
but only when they lead to real conversion from selfish tendencies to genuine
concern for others as Jesus taught. This means that it is only through the door
of Jesus’ teachings that one can find true salvation for He is the Way, the
Truth and the Life
Do you know the peace and
security of the Good Shepherd who watches over his own? The Old Testament often
speaks of God as shepherd of his people, Israel. The Lord is my shepherd, I
shall not want (Psalm 23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead
Joseph like a flock! (Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his
pasture (Psalm 100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's
people: He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his
arms (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd who will risk his life
to seek out and save the stray sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4). He is the
Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).
Jesus is the Good Shepherd and
Guardian of our souls
Jesus made three promises to
his followers. He promised them everlasting life. If they accept him and follow
him, they will have the life of God in them. Jesus also promised them a life
that would know no end. Death would not be the end but the beginning; they
would know the glory of indestructible life. Jesus promised a life that was
secure. Jesus said that nothing would snatch them out of his hand, not even
sorrow and death, since he is everlasting life itself. Our lives are safe in
his hands.
Do you listen to the voice of
the Good Shepherd who calls you to himself?
The words which Jesus spoke
upset many of the Jewish leaders. How could he speak with the same authority
which God spoke and claim to be equal with God? He must either be insane or
divine. Unfortunately some thought he was mad even though he cured a man who
was blind from birth. We are faced with the same choice. Either Jesus is who he
claims to be - the Son of God and Savior of the world - or the world's greatest
deluder! We cannot be indifferent to his claim. For those who accept him as
Lord and Savior he offers the peace and security of unending life and joy with
God. Do you know the peace and security of a life fully submitted to Christ?
Confirmation - April 23 is the
speaker night for students, teachers, parents and sponsors. All are requested
to be in the church by 7pm for Sister Helena's talk on social media.
April 30 - Fr. Damien is back
for his second talk for the parents. Students will be downstairs in class and
all parents and sponsors will be upstairs in the church.
First Holy Communion -
Congratulations to all those who received their First Holy Communion today.
Thanks also to Bev. O'Grady for taking the classes.
SPRING CONCERT - May 12 is our
next concert with Coro San Marco. Tickets are $20.00 and are on sale at the
back of the church today and from the office during the week. This is a parish
fund-raiser so come out and enjoy the beautiful music from Coro San Marco.
I hope you have a great week...
Fr. Phil