Collect for 4th Sunday Eastertide

THE COLLECT SERIES

THE MASS: COLLECT SERIES ICON

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COLLECT

Almighty ever-living God, lead us to share in the joys of Heaven,

So that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God, for ever and ever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:
1. What are the joys of Heaven and what does this mean to me?

2. How can I prepare for the joys of Heaven now on earth?

3. What does the image of the being part of a flock evoke in me?

4. What does the term ‘’brave Shepherd’’ mean?

5.How will I live the joy of Eastertide this coming week?

GOSPEL REFLECTION.

The Gospel is from John 10:27-30. This Sunday is often called "Good Shepherd Sunday." Jesus intended the beautiful parable of the Good Shepherd with its many consoling truths and promises for men of every century, including the twentieth. We are all too prone to evaluate the words of the Gospel in an exclusively historical sense. The liturgy's primary aim is to portray the present, not the past, to give grace and life along with history. You must, therefore, give the parable a present-day context, apply it personally. After each sentence why not stop and say: Christ is helping me by doing this today. The parable brings to our attention three consoling truths: Christ gives His life for His sheep; He remains with them constantly through the bond of grace; He will not rest content until there be but one flock and one shepherd. How do you relate to Jesus as Good Shepherd? 

The Church highlights on this fourth Sunday of Easter known as 'Good Shepherd Sunday' Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life.  All the baptized have a vocation. We are all called to holiness.  For those called by Christ to the Priesthood and religious life, they are called in a special way and need our love and support for them to carry out the work Christ has asked of them. After all, it is through our pastor's ministry and example along with our efforts that we can grow in love for God, and our souls can ''safely graze''.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE FEAST

On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church highlights Christ as the Good Shepherd.  The Pope and the Bishops are the shepherds of the flock of Christ. It is fitting to acknowledge their special teaching and Pastoral ministry. You may like to

1. Pray for the Pope and Bishops of the Church, especially the Bishop of your diocese.
2. Send a card to acknowledge and thank the Bishop for his ministry.  If you know a bishop personally, this is indeed fitting. If not, then why not send a card or do something nice for your parish priest. I like to bake a cake.
3. Examine how we relate to our Pastor. Give him support and acknowledgement of all he does in the name of Jesus the Good Shepherd.  He is Jesus for us as he ministers the sacraments and the one who gives us support in the highs and lows of living.  What do you do for him? 
4. Encourage those who are thinking of a vocation to priesthood or religious life to pursue it.
5. Encourage those who are in formation in priesthood.  They are our ''intending good shepherds'' so need our love and support to reach ordination day and beyond in ministry.

6.      I also think that it is good to remember on this Good Shepherd Sunday that the Good news of the angels that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem was delivered by the angels to shepherds in the fields on that first Christmas night.  We are all familiar with the carol  ''While shepherds watched their flock by night''.  God could have had the message of salvation delivered to anyone He chose.  He chose shepherds that first Christmas night.

Then there are many references in the Bible which provide more compelling imagery for us of Jesus as Good Shepherd.  My favourite is from Ezekiel 34:11-20, but particularly   

'' I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed,
 and I will bind up the crippled, 

 and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will watch over; 

I will feed them in justice.''[Ezek 34:16]

May Christ the Good Shepherd encourage and embrace us,

May we listen to the sound of His voice,

Hear His call and follow Him.

not rest content until there be but one flock and one shepherd.


Enjoy singing this hymn today.