The Good Shepherd
Do we know
the peace and security of the Good Shepherd who watches over his own? 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, or the lost. (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4). He is the Shepherd
and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).
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.
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.
"Lord
Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who keeps watch over our lives. May we be ever
attentive to your voice and submit fully to your wise rule for our lives.
Draw us near to you that we may always find peace and joy in your presence.”
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING CONFIRMATION 2016
Beginning in
2016, in the Archdiocese of Toronto, Confirmation will take place in grade 7
rather than in grade 8. Obviously, to accommodate this change, both grades will
be involved in Confirmation next year. I am currently working out the logistics
of having 2 separate sessions next year, one for each grade. The time for the
Confirmation celebration will also be determined shortly. Because of the 2
sessions next year, I will need more catechists to come on board for 5 one hour
sessions with the students. The content to be taught is laid out very plainly,
week by week, lesson by lesson, in the teacher’s manual. Please let me know, as
soon as possible, if you are interested. Currently I have 5 catechists but next
year, I will need at least 12 in total. Please give this some prayerful
consideration.
FIRST COMMUNION is quickly approaching on the weekend of May 2nd
and 3rd. We continue to pray for our young people preparing to join
us at the table of the Lord for the first time.
Fr. Phil
