4th Sunday of Easter

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GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY

This is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday” because of the Gospel narratives (from John 10) read each year, in which Jesus talks of himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his flock. A general “theme” to the Scriptures is the person of Jesus and what he has achieved by the Paschal Mystery (his dying and rising): the first reading talks of his name, and the power of the name of Jesus to save: one of the results of the “power of this name” is that in him we are all God’s children, and are promised an eternal reward. All this is summed up in the Gospel, in which Jesus talks of himself as the real shepherd, who is prepared to do anything for his flock, even to the point of giving his life. This he said before his passion, but in Eastertide we read it with the benefit of hindsight. His words are true, and by his dying and rising he has truly saved his flock.

 

The Psalm

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in men: it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust princes. I will thank you for you have given answer and you are my saviour. The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes.   Blessed in the name of the Lord is he who comes. We will bless you from the house of the Lord; I will thank you for you have given answer and you are my saviour. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love has no end.

 

First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 4:8-12

Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2

Gospel Reading: John 10:11-18

 

 

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