The Fourth Week of Easter is traditionally Vocation Awareness Sunday since the gospel reading for this Sunday carries the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Shepherding is a call to leadership. It recognizes the responsibility of the shepherd for the welfare of others. For a religious vocation the shepherd focuses upon the spiritual welfare of those in his care. We count as our shepherds our Holy Father, Francis, our Archbishop Nelson, his Auxiliary Bishops, our priests, and our deacons. Each of these individuals has a vocation story that may or may not pinpoint the exact moment that they were able to say yes to God, but they all indicate the precise moment that God said yes to them.
We give thanks to God for the shepherds in our midst who serve God with so many varied talents and in so many special ministries. We thank you for inviting us to serve you. It is a privilege to preach, to baptize, to anoint, to absolve, to preside, to unite, to make the Eucharistic Christ present. Thank you for your prayers and please keep praying for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and permanent diaconate so more people can pinpoint the moment that God said yes to them.
This Sunday is also called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus, in today’s gospel describes the duties of a shepherd and the role he has accepted from the Father. “A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.’ But Jesus recognizes that it is also the responsibility of a good shepherd to seek out those who are without shepherding. “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also must I lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
What does it mean to belong to this fold? How long have you been with this fold? What are its strengths? What are its opportunities? What are its deficiencies? Who is missing from the fold? Why are they missing? How can we help them to hear Jesus’ voice?
“I am the Good Shepherd” is but one of seven “I Am” statements from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. Each of these statements reveal something about the mission of Jesus as our Messiah. The others are:
“I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6:35)
“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
“I am the Gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
“I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
“I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
“I am the True Vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” (John 15:1-2)
Note that while these indicate the roles of the Redeemer, they also signify our responsibility in relation to the Savior. Hunger, thirst, and darkness will abate. Salvation is a call
to freedom, strengthening, and immortality of the soul. The only means to achieve these is through our adherence to the Son. Which of these statements most resonates with you? Are you hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd? Are you responding?