Word from the Pastor

Fourth Sunday of Easter

“I am the gate for the sheep”

Dear parish family,​

The fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday. It is also the world’s day of prayer for vocations, particularly vocation to religious life and to the priesthood. My favorite image of the Good Shepherd is the one showing Jesus carrying an injured lamb on his shoulder. This image teaches us that the good shepherd is caring and compassionate. He is the one who would leave ninety-nine sheep in the sheepfold to go and look for the lost one because he cares for each one of his sheep. ​

In today’s gospel Jesus said: “Amen, Amen,Isay to you, who does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. Whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The sheep hear his voice and follow him.” The Good Shepherd offers us protection from those who would lead us astray. He guides us to the gates of heaven. But we must hear his voice and follow him. This involves repentance andacommitment to do what he asks. We also have the responsibility by the virtue of our baptism to make disciples for Jesus; it means to make his voice known by words and deeds to other people who do not know him. ​

Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd, but he is also the gate for the sheep. Whoever enters through him will be saved. He came so that the sheep might have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus is the messiah, the savior who came to lead us to eternal life. As St. Augustine said: Our hearts were made for God and they are restless until they rest in God” It is only through Jesus, the gate for the sheep, that we may come to satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts, which the desires for peace, joy and eternal life. ​

During this Easter Season, let us renew our commitment to listen to the voice of the Risen Lord and follow him. Let us make time for personal prayers, lectio divina and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Let us make time for nourishing ourselves with the sacraments of the Eucharist and reconciliation. Let us also be instruments of the mercy and compassion of Christ to our brothers and sisters so that we may have life and have it more in abundantly. ​

Happy Easter! ​

Fr. Jean Jadotte
Pastor