GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY)

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.” John 10:11

Good Shepherd Sunday is the day on which the Gospel passage of the Good Shepherd is read during the liturgies of certain Christian denominations. This may be the Second Sunday after Easter or Third Sunday of Easter.

The traditional Good Shepherd Sunday is observed on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the day to which many Christian denominations assigned the reading after the liturgical reforms of the 1970s.

This fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepherd Sunday because every year we hear the beautiful promise of Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd. It’s also a special day for praying for the “shepherds” of our Church — the Pope, our bishops, priests, deacons and seminarians.

The Church celebrates the loving care of Jesus Christ, who reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd—One who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them with patience, mercy, and constant love.

This day is rooted in the Gospel proclaimed in—John 10:11–18—where Christ reminds us that He is not a hired hand who abandons the flock, but the Shepherd who willingly lays down His life so that we may have life in abundance. His care is personal and faithful; He walks with us in every season of life, guiding us even when the path is unclear.

Good Shepherd Sunday is also closely connected to the Church’s prayer for vocations. It reminds us that Christ continues to call people today—to marriage, priesthood, consecrated life, and service in the Church and society. His voice is often gentle, heard in silence, prayer, and reflection. Yet in a busy and noisy world, it can be difficult to notice.

That is why this day invites us to pause, go to Mass, and listen more carefully to His Word. In the Eucharist, we encounter the Shepherd Himself, who feeds us with His Body and Blood and strengthens us for the journey ahead. To receive Him is to allow Him to guide our thoughts, decisions, and actions.

This celebration also reminds us that we are not alone. We belong to a community of faith, a flock walking together under the care of one Shepherd. He does not lead us in isolation but gathers us into communion with one another. In following Him, we find not only direction but also unity and purpose. Even in moments of weakness or confusion, Christ remains near, calling us back with patience and love.

Today is an invitation to trust more deeply in His guidance. Whatever challenges we face, the Good Shepherd remains present, leading us step by step. May we open our hearts to His voice, remain faithful in prayer, and continue to follow Him with hope and courage. And as we celebrate this Good Shepherd Sunday, may our lives reflect His care for others, becoming instruments of His love in the world.

Today Jesus promises us: “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me … and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” Jesus has laid down his life for you and for me! And he gives life to us — his Body and Blood — each we celebrate the Eucharist.

Jesus is telling us today that through him, God is gathering his people, his flock. He is gathering each one of us. And Jesus, as our Good Shepherd, is guiding us and leading us to the pasture of heaven. He does this through his Church and through the sacraments.

In our first reading, we hear about the ministry of St. Peter, our first pope. Because Jesus entrusted his mission to Peter and the apostles and their successors — to be shepherds and guardians of the people of God.

St. Peter tells us today that there is “no other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are saved.” His name, Jesus’ name, is our name. And St. John, in the second reading, tells us that we may be called the “children of God.” And so we are!

Jesus says also today: “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. There also I must lead, and they will hear my voice. And there will be one flock, and one shepherd.” As children of God, Jesus gives us this mission, to help others to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Today we need to pray for the grace to respond to Jesus’ love. For the grace to be good listeners and good followers of our Good Shepherd. And to become Good Shepherds for the people of our time.

PETITIONS TO THE GOOD SHEPHERD

For Trust: That we may fully trust in your guidance, even through dark valleys.
For Protection: Keep our families safe from harm and evil.
For Healing: Heal the emotional and physical wounds of the hurting.
For Provision: Provide for our daily needs and lead us to peace.
For Unity: Guide your church to be a loving community, reflecting your care.

We ask the intercession of Mary our Blessed Mother today — may she help all of us to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow him and trust in him and love him, until there is one flock and one Good Shepherd.

PRAYER

Jesus our Good Shepherd, I thank You profoundly for loving me to the point of sacrificing Your life on the Cross. You love me not only with the utmost tenderness and compassion but also in a sacrificial and selfless way. As I receive Your divine love, dear Lord, help me to also imitate Your love and to sacrifice my life for others. Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I trust in You. Amen.

– (My Catholic Life)

PRAYER TO THE GOOD SHEPHERD
by Saint John Paul II

Come then, good Shepherd, bread divine,
Still show to us thy mercy sign;
Oh, feed us, still keep us thine;
So we may see thy glories shine
in fields of immortality.
O thou, the wisest, mightiest, best,
Our present food, our future rest,
Come, make us each thy chosen guest,
Co-heirs of thine, and comrades blest
With saints whose dwelling is with thee.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Almighty ever-living God, lead us to a share in the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen

𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗝𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗦, 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗗

O Jesus, my Good Shepherd, You who lovingly guide Your flock and call each one by name, I come before You with a trusting heart. Lead me along the paths of truth, protect me from harm, and carry me when I am weak or lost. In Your gentle care, I place all my worries and fears, knowing that Your mercy never fails. I humbly bring before You my intentions (mention your intentions here), asking that You hear my prayer according to Your will. Help me to listen to Your voice each day and to follow You faithfully, for You are my refuge, my guide, and my everlasting peace. Amen