fourth sunday of easter - good shepherd sunday

​My dear friends in Christ,
 
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, I find great comfort in our Gospel from John 10:11-18 when Jesus says “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”  In the midst of this pandemic that has gone on far longer than anyone could have ever imagined, I am reminded yet again that we are not alone.  Jesus continues to watch over us, his sheep.  It is not just during these times but at all times that we need to be affirmed of this, and to listen to His voice.  It is so easy for us to stray, perhaps placing our hope in the things of this world.  As sheep, as disciples of Christ, we place our hope in one God, made up of three persons - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 
 
The Gospel passage continues “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”  This passage demonstrates that Jesus cares for us as a shepherd cares for his flock.  We are his flock.  Jesus knows us inside and out and will do anything to save us.  This is the beauty of our relationship with Jesus.
 
This Sunday and this upcoming week, may we focus on our relationship with Jesus, for He loves each of us and has given His life for us.  This is what the season of Easter is all about - renewing our relationship with Jesus, a personal relationship at that.  May we dive deeper into all that Jesus did for us, and continues to do for us as our shepherd and friend.  May we continue to be an Easter people, people of hope.
 
Please know of my continued prayers for each of you and those that you love, and I look forward to the day when we can all be reunited together – safely – in our church dedicated to St. Julia.
 
I wish you all a blessed week and keep safe.
Fr. Greg