Good Shepherd Sunday

05-12-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

In the Catholic tradition, this Fourth Sunday after Easter is dedicated as Good Shepherd Sunday and is kept as a Special Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious Life. The idea of shepherd and sheep may not make much sense to many people in the western culture and especially in this generation. However, we can see the equivalent of this in our relationship with our pets. We know that even the most impatient person learns how to be patient with pets because we know their limitations and understand how much they depend on us. Jesus chose the image of shepherd to teach us the nature of God's love for mankind. In the Jewish culture, sheepherding is more of a vocation rather than a job.

The Church today calls priests in charge of churches "Pastors" which is a direct translation of the word "shepherd" in Latin. Pastors are called to be shepherds and to serve as servant leaders rather than as managers or CEOs. This also explains why priests do not campaign to be made pastors but are called and entrusted with the task of leadership by the Bishop. We pray in a special way today for an increase in vocations, that men and women will hear God's call to the Priesthood and Religious Life. To the young people who are at Mass this weekend, I invite you to please ask yourself if you feel called to the Priesthood or Religious Life. I am available for you to come and discuss this with me, or if you just want to know more about what it means to be called.

Happy Mother's Day

On behalf of our parish community, I want to wish all mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers a Happy Mother's Day and God's blessings! On this day, we thank our mothers, by birth or adoption, who nurtured and supported us through life. The challenges confronting mothers in our generation is unprecedented. It is even hard nowadays to talk about motherhood without sounding "old fashioned" or to risk offending someone. Nevertheless, the vocation of motherhood is one of the most joyful and fulfilling things in life. By carrying human life in their wombs and bringing human life to birth, mothers share in the creative power of God, the author of life. A mother's love is about the best image and reflection of God's love and care for mankind. There are times when only a mother's heart can understand our tears, can soothe our sadness and calm our fears. We entrust all mothers and future mothers to the love and care of Mary, our Blessed Mother, that she will intercede for us before the throne of God.

Thank you and Remain Blessed.
Fr. James

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