by Bishop Guy Sansaricq
Acts 2, 14a + 36-41, Psalm 23; Peter 2:20b-25; John 10: 1-10
Every Sunday our understanding of the mystery of Christ increases, our faith is nourished. Three Sundays ago, we have celebrated the rising of Jesus from the tomb. Now, has the story ended? Certainly not! Actually, it’s bouncing forward.
Today, we hear Jesus telling us that he is the gate and that we have to go through him: the gate to fulfillment of our human destiny, the gate to truth, fullness of life and even eternal life. He also describes himself as the shepherd whose voice will invariably attract all who are his own. “My sheep will hear my voice and follow me…and I will give them life in abundance!”
We also hear Peter preaching to the crowds “know for certain that God has made both Lord and Savior this Jesus you have crucified! Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you, too, will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!”
If Christ’ Resurrection is a personal victory for Him, it is at the same time a source of power for all who believe. From his Risen Body, abundant life flows like a waterfall of the Spirit. Blessed are those who believe to the point of repentance, accept Baptism, penance and communion, and embrace the NEW WAY proposed by the of our faith, the High Priest of the new times. “For you who had once gone away like sheep, you may now return to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” (2nd reading)
This Easter, in the diocese of Brooklyn alone, more than twelve hundred people have joined the Church or have returned home to a Church they had left. Congratulations to you if you have been one of them.
Today, pray for vocations. We need people to carry on the ministry of shepherding God’s people! “I am the good shepherd,” says the Lord, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me!” (John 10)