THE SELFLESS LOVE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch Scripture Texts: Acts 4:7-12; 1 John 3:1-2; John 10:11-18 Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. This Sunday is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday as well as a day designated to pray for vocations for all Christians. The Gospel reading for this Sunday usually focuses on the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, highlighting Jesus’ role as the one who guides, protects, and lays down his life for his sheep. It is a day to reflect on our identity as beloved members of Christ’s flock and our call to follow the example of the Good Shepherd in our own lives by caring for others with love and compassion. In today’s Gospel passage, we encounter the image of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. The first thing we are told about Jesus, Good Shepherd is that he willingly lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). The role of a shepherd in ancient Palestine was to guide, protect, and provide for his sheep, often at
