4th Sunday of Easter
By Fr. Victor Feltes
Today, St. John the Baptist’s Parish is celebrating First Communion. So, my homily for these six little ones is a little simpler and a little shorter, but still with big lessons for everyone. Jesus tells us in our gospel, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me… and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep… These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.” Jesus is our good shepherd and we are the sheep of his flock. He calls us, he gathers us, and he rescues us to save us.
Jesus calls us.
Sheep hear their shepherd’s voice and follow him when he calls them. Jesus calls us to follow him. He says, “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me,” and that “everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” If you love the truth and goodness, then you will love Jesus. But if you love lies and sin, then you will not follow him. Never lie, because lies belong to Satan and darkness. Always be honest, because Jesus is the truth and light. Love Jesus, his truth and his goodness, and every time he calls you will follow him. Jesus say, “If you love me, you will do what I command.”
Jesus gathers us.
A shepherd wants all of his sheep to be together in one group. When his sheep are together as one flock he can lead them throughout the countryside, guard them from any dangers, and feed them so that they can live. Jesus calls people to be members of his one Church from all around the world. In his Church, Jesus leads us through this world, guards us from evils, and feeds us with his Eucharist. The day of one’s First Communion is a very special day, but it is only the first of many such Communions. Jesus wants to gather us in his Church for Mass every single Sunday.
Jesus rescues us.
One of Jesus’ famous parables is about a shepherd who goes out into the hills or desert searching for a lost sheep. And when he finds that one lost sheep he joyfully places it on his shoulders and carries it home. Jesus wants to find and rescue everyone who is lost; every person who does not know him and everyone who has wandered off from him. He tells us there is great joy in heaven over any sinner who comes home though the Sacrament of Baptism or the Sacrament of Confession. It is not the will of the Lord that you would be lost. So if you are distant, come home.
Jesus Christ is our good shepherd who loves us. Unlike a hired man, whose sheep are not his own and who only works for pay, Jesus was willing to fight our enemy and lay down his life for us because he loves us. And Jesus loves us still, giving us his very self in this Holy Eucharist today.
Parishable Items 
Leave a comment