4th Sunday of Easter - Year C -The Voice of the Good Shepherd & ‘Salve Regina’
Each year, on this 4th Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday and reflect on what a good shepherd is like. A shepherd is one who leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects and protects his flock. This is indeed the image of our Good Shepherd, Jesus, who devotedly takes care of his flock. In the Bible, we can find many descriptions of God as the True Divine Shepherd. Let us draw some of these images today in honour of the election of Pope Leo XIV, being our chief Shepherd on earth:
He knows his sheep and his sheep hear his voice. Jesus knows each one of us. He loves us as we are, with our limitations, needs, faults and merits: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)
He is attentive to his sheep. Jesus speaks to us daily through his Word, friends, and through the events of our life: “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down.” (Ezekiel 34:15)
He gives eternal life to his sheep. Jesus receives us into his fold: “I will rescue them… and gather them… and will bring them into their own land.” (Ezekiel 34:12b, 13)
He supplies food and inner healing for his sheep. Jesus takes care of us through the Sacraments: “You prepare a table before me under the eyes of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil.” (Psalm 23:5)
He protects his sheep. Jesus prays for us. He places us in the arms of his Father. He guides us and sends his angels to watch over us: “I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged.” (Ezekiel 34:22a)
He searches for his stray lambs and heals the sick ones. Jesus comforts and heals our wounds and strengthens us: “I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” (Ezekiel 34:16)
He dies for his sheep. Jesus lays down his life in expiation for the sins of all humanity: “I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.” (John 10:11)
Jesus, the Passover Lamb, was once slain to take our sins away. As we look up to Jesus today, let us be encouraged to become good shepherds and good sheep, good leaders and good listeners. Also please pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
Jesus our Good Shepherd, we trust in you.
In honor of May, the month of Mary, we’d like to share our latest video, "Salve Regina", a Marian hymn and one of four Marian antiphons sung at different seasons within the Christian liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church.
The Hail Holy Queen is also the final prayer of the Rosary. The work was composed during the Middle Ages and originally appeared in Latin, the prevalent language of Western Christianity until modern times.
Video can be watched by clicking here or on the picture below:
