Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series: Monday Third Week of Eastertide

Entering The Joy: 

Easter Entrance Antiphon Series. 

He Is Not Here: He Is Risen.

Entering the Joy – Monday, Week 3 of Eastertide

Entrance Antiphon:
“The good shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock, alleluia.”

 This entrance antiphon is deceptively simple. Be on the alert to get the message.

He Laid Down His Life – And Rose Again

Today’s Mass opens with an image we never tire of in Eastertide:
The Good Shepherd — risen, living, and still leading.

But look how the antiphon moves:

• It begins with resurrection: “The Good Shepherd has risen”
• Then it draws us back to the cross: “who laid down his life”
• And then ties both together: He died — willingly — for us.

This is Easter joy grounded in love:
not a vague happiness, but a love that suffers and rises,
lays down and lifts up,
gives everything — and then keeps giving.

 

Spirituality in Action

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Call to mind one area where you’ve felt scattered or unsure —
  let the Good Shepherd gather you today.
• Say slowly: “He willingly laid down His life for me.”
  Let it sink in. Let it soften what’s hard within you.
• Extend “shepherding love” to someone near you — a message, a meal, a kindness, a simple act of presence.

Short Prayer

Jesus, Good Shepherd,
You laid down Your life and took it up again — for me.
Lead me today with the same love.
Help me to trust Your voice and to follow where You go.
Amen.