FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, (C)

6th May 2001

LITURGICAL RESOURCES by Luke O'Donnell

Hymn Suggestions:

Gift of Finest Wheat (You satisfy the hungry heart); At the Lamb's High Feast we sing; I saw the Holy City; Battle is o'er; The Lord is my Shepherd (any metre or setting); You Sons and Daughters; Psalm 100.

Introduction to the Celebration:

The peace of the Risen Lord be with you all.  And also with you.  As we gather on this 'Good Shepherd Sunday' - the Fourth in Easter, we pray with a special devotion for Vocations to the Priesthood, Permanent Diaconate, and Religious Life.  The 'Good Shepherd Factor' is shown appropriately in today's short Gospel Passage, for it is Jesus the 'Shepherd' who brings all who follow him - that is, me and you, to eternal life.  What better message to hear when praying for Vocations!

Rite of Penance:        (Alternatively, as it Easter - use the Blessing/Sprinkling of Holy Water).

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads us to God.  Lord, have mercy.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who brings about peace.  Christ, have mercy.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who guides and protects us his sheep.  Lord, have mercy.

Profession of Faith:                     In some places, the Apostles Creed is permitted in place of the Nicene.  

Prayers of the Faithful:               4th Sunday of Easter, C - 6th May 2001.

Celebrant: We feel the Risen Lord’s presence in our lives, and we rejoice!  Let us pray to Christ, the Good Shepherd bringing before him our prayers and petitions.

Announcer:     The Response to 'Lord, in your mercy,' is HEAR OUR PRAYER.

1.   For those who guide and direct the One Apostolic Church: that their words and actions will reflect the love of Jesus Christ for all humanity.  Lord, in your mercy.

2.   For those suffering on account of their beliefs: that Christ, the Good Shepherd will lead them to safety. Lord, in your mercy.

3.   For our community: that we will be signs of dignity and courage to those around us. Lord, in your mercy.

4.   For vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate, and religious life: that faithful Christians may be challenged to serve the church in these important roles.  Lord, in your mercy.

5.   For those who have died: that the Lord will raise up their souls to be with him in Heaven where there is love, peace and happiness.  Lord, in your mercy.

6.   With Mary, Queen of the May, we ask for the intercession of Christ the Good Shepherd, who seeks out the lost sheep.   Hail, Mary…

Celebrant:

      Munificent God of Love, who makes the faithful to be of one mind and will: grant to your people the grace to love what you command us to do, and to desire what you promise us; that amidst the changes of this society and the whole world, our hearts may be so fixed to the place where true joys are to be found.  We make this, and all our prayers in the name of the Risen One, Jesus, your Son and our Lord who lives and reigns with you, Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.

Homily: Normally on Vocations Sunday, the Bishop of the Arch-Diocese or Diocese would post a Vocations Sunday Pastoral Letter.  Usually, this would be read here.  However, I have posted a short reflection - in the form of my Homily this week.

Everyday Aidan leads his sheep through the arid land in search of nourishment.  Somehow, before daybreak, Aidan manages to find just enough to feed his wife, children and his flock of sheep for the day.  After a long and tiresome day, Aidan longs and looks forward to to having some rest.  The tent, which he has been carrying all day, is set up close to his sheep.  Despite all of his fatigue, and boredom, Aidan must continue to look out and listen for sheep throughout the night.  He does not miss a sound; after all, his livelihood depends upon his watching.

In today's modern Economy, we are striving to overcome the many distracting voices.  Much like Aidan, we too must decide which sounds to which we pay attention and those to which we best ignore!  

In today's Gospel from St. John, Jesus informs us of the importance of listening if we are going to become his disciples.  When we were received into the Church, by our Baptism - the Easter Sacrament; we were welcomed into Discipleship and the Christian Family.  If we were Baptised as babies - our parents and godparents spoke on our behalf.  But now, as adults, teenagers and mature Christians, we are commanded to choose for ourselves the voices to which we pay heed.  Appropriately, today, do we read this Gospel because some people will be called to the Priesthood, or Religious Life, others to the Married or Single Life - but it is still a vocation (and they all need fulfilling).

And that is the message of the Gospel - that if we believe and trust in God even to following Christ - the Good Shepherd we will inherit Eternal Life! 

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