This Sunday is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.
Here are this Sunday’s readings to help you prepare your hearts and minds for worship:
Acts 2:42-47
The believers’ common life
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want
1 Peter 2:19-25
Follow the shepherd, even in suffering
John 10:1-10
Christ the shepherd
Music this Sunday includes a couple of classic hymns, The King of Love My Shepherd Is and Have No Fear, Little Flock. These hymns cast Jesus as the Good Shepherd and us as his following sheep, enfolded into his loving care. Also, look for some special music from the adult choirs and a special guest!
The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is all the more interesting in the season of Easter as we often sing of him as the Lamb of God during Holy Week. Jesus is both lamb and shepherd; he walks with us in our sorrow and also shows us the way with his rod and staff.
