Fourth Sunday of Easter
First Reading: Acts 4:8-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2
Gospel Reading: John 10:11-18
“I am the Good Shepherd,” says our Lord. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to be likewise, a good shepherd. Whether we think of it or not or whether we like it or not, we do shepherding in our lives. As a parent, teacher, relative, friend or companion we influence people for the better or the worse. Even children can be shepherds to their parents. Many fathers have looked into the eyes of their children and have seen a trust accorded them and has prevented them going astray. Even innocent questions that children ask their parents make the parents see the truth from which they have been hiding for a long time. A father wants to deserve the trust and respect of his children and in the process, he is led at times to the spring of life. When we send a birthday or Christmas card to our parents and mention the good things for which we are truly grateful, we have become shepherds to them. We give them strong encouragement to go on.
On the other hand, as parents, we do not give in to our children what they really like now but what they will need in the future and will be beneficial to their later happiness. We teach them to be responsible, to be caring for others, sharing the little they have, understanding, mercy, forgiveness and generosity.
Efren Tomas
In 2004, Father Efren arrived on Maui, Hawaii to be the Pastor of Christ The King Catholic Church in Kahului, Maui until 2012. He calls Christ The King his home because this was his first parish in Hawaii.
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