FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Acts 4:8-12

Psalm 117

1 John 3:1-2

John 10:11-18

VOCATIONS SUNDAY/GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY 

The fourth Sunday of Easter, known as the “Good Shepherd Sunday”, is dedicated to the prayer for priestly and religious vocations. In today's Gospel, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd. He knows his sheep, freely gives his life for them, takes care of them, and defends them in case of danger. He is not like the hired man who cannot stand and defend the sheep. Jesus even goes in search of those who are not in the fold so that there may be only one flock and one Shepherd (John 10,11-18).

Praying for vocations, therefore, is asking the Lord to give us pastors according to his own heart, as he himself has promised (cf. Jer. 3,15). Because we need priests, men and women religious who are close to the people of God, understand them, and who are available to the faithful. The Church needs priests who bear witness to Christ with their lives and especially attract young people to follow Christ.

But it should be noted that vocations are not limited to the priesthood and religious life. Marriage is also a vocation. Spouses are therefore called to bear witness to Christ in marital life, to promote vocations and support young people in their journey to discover their vocation. Parents are to be role models for their children. Today, therefore, each of us is called to renew his yes to the Lord, to pray for young people so that they may discover the will of God in their lives.

Let us not forget that God has called us all to be his children, but what we will be has not yet been manifested (1 John 3,1-2). So, like pilgrims, we must be patient and persevering, especially in the face of hostilities and challenges. We live in a world that is becoming more and more hostile to the gospel; and living our various vocations in an authentic way is becoming more challenging, a form of “martyrdom”. But like Peter in the first reading, we need to be courageous in order to witness to Christ without fear or compromise, for in him alone is the salvation of our souls (Acts 4,8-12).

Through the intercession of Saint Joseph, may young people respond joyfully to God's call and make serving others in fidelity their life’s dream. 

Amen