Homily – Fourth Sunday of Easter (A)

This Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepherd Sunday.  The Church dedicates a particular Sunday to pray for vocations to marriage, religious life, single life, and priesthood.  Common in all of these vocations is a calling to holiness and to mission.  Holiness is how we integrate our prayer life and everyday life by imitating the examples of Christ.

The word vocation comes from the Latin word “vocaccio” and “vocare”, which means “to summons” and “to call.”  Such a call is not exclusively a voice.  It may be through an experience, an example of a person or a gradual openness to an inner “voice” calling one towards a particular way of life.  To help with vocations each one of us can do our part by sharing our own vocation and encouraging others to consider.  I remember at the end of year 12, my then principal spoke to us about our future roles in different fields and industries.  He also added the possibility of service in the church through the priesthood.

Each vocation is to imitate Christ, the Good Shepherd in the twofold role as mentioned in our gospel namely being Shepherd and Gate of the sheepfold.  The Shepherd’s role is to lead, nurture and protect.  Perhaps in our vocation we are already doing this in our family.  As Gate of the sheepfold, we not only protect those within our care but also encourage their participation in community life where they find life and growth.

By being connected to the Good Shepherd we may flourish in our vocation and live life to the full.  Psalm 23 never grows old and is a delight to listen, reflect and meditate on “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit”.

By Fr Hoang Dinh