Fourth Sunday of Easter, 4/25

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Today is the Good Shepherd Sunday! 

We find in the Gospel Jesus explaining to us what it means to be a Good Shepherd: "A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (Jn10:11). This is the key concept: GIVING, SERVING or SACRIFICE. Jesus is constantly teaching us this with His own life. It is the anti-ego-serving life. As I follow Jesus I start to understand my life in relation to others. I want to give and discover that in giving I am actually receiving much more. 

He also says: "I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me" (Jn10:14). This is not distant serving. Like me giving a few coins to someone in the street. It is getting involved, actually CARING for the other and letting the other know you.

As you know many times I have said that we are the family of God. Our parish is a beautiful diverse family. This is God's dream! It is what Jesus prays for to the Father before the passion (Jn 17) and expressed beautifully also here: "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd." (Jn10:16). Let us all collaborate to generate that unity in diversity.

This is a day to give thanks to God for the gift of our Lord who is the Good Shepherd, but also for those in your life who have guided you toward Him. Maybe me also… But I am sure I am not the only one! Think about it: How did I get the faith I got? Obviously number one is God Himself. However, there have been so many that collaborating with God have by word or example help you believe in God. Today is a good opportunity to give them thanks. Maybe it was you parents or grandparents. Maybe a friend, colleague or sibling. Maybe it was your children. Now is a good time to think about them. Wouldn't it be great that you send one or two of them a small note saying thank you? I assure you that they will be very pleased to receive it. So I encourage you, go on and say thank you. [I don't count because I wrote this. ;) ]

God bless you!

Fr. Carlos Keen SCV