The 4th Sunday of Easter is often referred to as ‘Good Shepherd’ Sunday as we always have a Gospel reading referencing the ‘good shepherd’, (ironically enough, I know). In Cycle A readings, the reference is a bit different from the regular: ‘I know my sheep and mine know me.’ and ‘A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’ This year, we hear of images of a gatekeeper, and sheep following him through the gate, of hearing a voice and recogniz-ing that voice. Our music leads us also to these teachings. “Come, Follow Me” at the preparation of the altar refers to us following Christ, our Shepherd – He will give us strength, He will cast away our doubts and fears, and He will lead us home – just as a good shepherd does with his sheep. He leads us to safety. He continually calls out to us, hoping that we are following His voice.
Our song at Communion, “Shepherd Me, O God” is an arrangement of the beloved Psalm 23: “Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.” This is also the psalm that we sing during the Liturgy of the Word as the responsorial psalm. These words always lead us to God, lead us to comfort in His presence – something we need to rely upon during these times.
Once again, we begin and end our liturgies with strong Easter hymns proclaiming His Resurrection and our belief in our resurrec-tion on the last day! Let us sing out: “Jesus is risen! Alleluia!” and “I know that my Redeemer lives, that I shall rise again.” Continue to celebrate the Easter season in your home throughout this time!