Livestream/Mass Information for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 21, 2024
Hymn Lyrics 4th Sunday of Easter
4th Sunday of Easter
April 21, 2024
“I Am the Good Shepherd.”
Every image of God emerges from human experience and expresses the need of a people at a given time. When ancient Israel was threatened by warring people, God was “rock” and “lord of the mountain.” During the time of the monarchy the image of God as “shepherd” was added. (Isaiah 40, Micah 7, psalm 23)
The Lord Jesus adopts this in the 4th of His 7 famous “I Am“ statements in St. John’s Gospel. “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11-15)
The image of Jesus as the good shepherd is one that resonates with many people, invoking thoughts of divine care, protection and guidance. The Lord Jesus declares Himself the good shepherd who gives His life for His sheep as well as stating that He is the gate to protect His sheep. Not only is the language of giving His life points to His crucifixion, preparing the disciples to interpret His forthcoming suffering as an act of love, the use of the possessive shows the Lord Jesus guarding us and sheltering us. This cherished depiction of our Savior, rooted in Scripture, offers a profound glimpse into His unwavering love, guidance, and protection.
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Next weekend is the annual second collection for the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity.
Two weekends away – our Festival which this year is “Return to the 80s” – Friday, May 3rd, Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th
You are welcome to watch our 10:00 am Sunday morning Mass on YouTube either live or later Sunday afternoon or evening.