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.
World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Today the Church throughout the world prays for vocations. Will you make a special effort to ask the Lord for vocations to the priesthood and religious life? Pray for the priests who have ministered to you throughout your life, both living and dead. Encourage your children, grandchildren, or other young people to consider a vocation as a priest or religious brother or sister. Pray a rosary for more young men and women in our diocese to respond to God’s call. Let Us Pray: Heavenly Father, we ask you to send labourers into your harvest. Inspire, in the hearts of your people, vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life. Bless our families with a spirit of generosity, so that those whom you call have the courage to give themselves to your Church in faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
This week we pray for the people of the parishes of Our Lady of Good Counsel and the Guardian Angels, Bury, and St. Hilda’s, Tottington, with Father Paul Cannon, their parish priest. We pray for their parish primary schools.