4th Sunday of Easter B - 21st April 2024  

As you will see from the Gospel it is Good Shepherd Sunday. In all three years of the Sunday readings, A, B, and C part of this Gospel will be heard this week. It is also Vocations Sunday – a very important day in the Church’s year. Often though the only vocation mentioned at churches on this day is the vocation of priesthood. As important as this vocation is, it is not the only one and it is vital that each of us recognises and acknowledges the importance of our own vocations. 

 

One vocation that is often overlooked and yet is an integral part of so many of our parishes and organisations is that of the single life. My own great aunt was one such person. She dedicated over 40 years to the teaching of primary children and also served as sacristan to a parish – even 40 plus years after she had moved house due to the family home being bombed in the war! Every Saturday she would set off by bus to go and prepare the church and vestments for the Sunday Masses. Very quietly she just got on with it, as it was something she did and we all accepted it. There are many like her, female and male, and we are so fortunate to have these committed and dedicated people, women and men, who give so much of their time and talents to our parishes. 

 

Married people – those with and without children – play an important part in reflecting for the world the love of God, through their love for each other and, if blessed, their love for their children and grandchildren. But it’s not just because of their marriage, their children or their example, it is also because of all they do and all they are: in our parishes, our workplaces and as friends. I see and learn so much from my married relatives, friends, colleagues and from the couples with whom I walk alongside as Spiritual Counsellor in Teams of Our Lady. (www.teamsgb.org.uk) 

 

The vocation of religious sister/ brother is one that is not very common these days and it is being challenged from many sides. It is, as with all vocations, one of service but where the vows of poverty chastity and obedience free the sister or brother to go where they are needed to serve God and His people. 

 

All our vocations are a gift from God. We are each called in a number of ways but it is important to remember that we have vocations within vocations as we are parishioners, carers, friends, volunteers etc. We have seen over the past years the many roles and ways of service that people have done since the start of Covid in 2020. This week’s Gospel is, therefore, such a fine example for each of us no matter what our vocation. In our own ways, in our own situations we have to ‘lay down our lives’ for those in our care. We do all we can to provide them with whatever they need. And, just like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we know them and they trust us. 

 

In all of this, seeing ourselves as shepherd to those we care for, we must not forget that we are also the sheep referred to here and that Jesus is looking after us. We are never to be lost, in danger or afraid because we know we have Jesus to whom we can turn.