St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are in the fourth week of Easter to reflect on the Good Shepherd and his sheep. The first reading tells us, Paul and Barnabas were commissioned by the Lord to be ‘a light to the Gentiles’. In the beginning they were welcomed by the Jews into the synagogue at Antioch, later the leading Jews were filled with jealousy witnessing the success of the missionaries’ preaching. We too are entrusted with the mission of bringing the light of Good News to others and also to bear witness by being a light to others through our virtuous life.

In the second reading we hear about the vision of anticipated beauty given to John, surrounded by a great multitude, wearing white robes and carrying palm branches. These are participants in the Lord who have purified themselves and who share in the kingship of the cross. May this season of Easter enable us to see the vision of the heavenly beauty and our communion with the saints in heaven by our sharing in the resurrection of our Risen Christ. How do we try to get purified day by day?

The Gospel speaks about the sheep hearing the voice of the Shepherd and to follow Him. Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. The shepherd serves as a beautiful image of kindness and compassion, at the same time strong and courageous in protecting the flocks. While the Gospel focuses on the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep which is basically one of trust. Therefore, the sheep listens to His voice and follows Him. When we consider ourselves being in the fold of our Good Shepherd, how do we continue to get connected and to be in a relationship with the Shepherd and the sheep?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony