First things first

    

Fourth Sunday of Easter

(World Day of Prayer for Vocations)

30 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23:1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6

Second Reading: 1 Pt 2:20b-25

Gospel: Jn 10:1-10

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. (Jn 10:9)

A few months ago, a parishioner from our neighbouring parish spoke in our church to invite us to join in their Prayer for Vocations devotion every Sunday afternoon. Prior to his talk, I have been expressing my personal views on the declining vocations to the priesthood in our diocese and in the whole world. I thought, the Church should have done this or that to address such a dilemma. When I heard that talk, I came to realise the first thing that Jesus Himself told His followers: "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). More often than not, I have taken this one simple act for granted.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself as the gate. A gate’s purpose is to protect the sheep from thieves who come “to steal and slaughter and destroy” (Jn 10:10). Reading the rest of the Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself as “the Good Shepherd” who “lays down His life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). 

As we continue to celebrate the Lord’s victory over sin and death, let us follow His command to pray for more labourers - priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers – into the vast harvest, into the enormous flock of sheep.  Doing so, they would be able to gather all sheep and lead them to Jesus where there is salvation. And as we pray, let us also strive to be role models and affirm God’s calling to those who are discerning the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. With you as our Good Shepherd, we shall not want. In Your powerful Name, please touch the hearts of men and women whom You call to Your rich harvest, to Your flock scattered all over the earth. Make them realise Your personal love for them. Give them the understanding, generosity, and courage to discern their service to the Church and follow Your call. Amen.