Message from Fr. Brito:

4th Sunday of Easter

      In today’s Gospel Jesus presents himself as the good shepherd.  He also claims to have a flock. How does one belong to this flock? It is through the sacrament of baptism that we become members of his flock. During a vigil service for priest friend  someone commented that: “father really knew Jesus and Jesus knew him.” These words remind me of the words of today's Gospel; “ I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me”

     It is a given that Jesus knows us; the question remains: do we know him. Can we recognize his voice in a world with so many other voices; many of which are contrary to his.  If we know the Good Shepherd, we will be able to distinguish his voice from other. When we listen to his voice, we will be directed to the right path that leads to happiness and peace. 

     As I mention, it is through baptism that we are made members of Christ’s flock. As members of his flock he will guide us and shepherd us all the days of our lives. The Good Shepherd will also feed us along our journey. He feeds us with another sacrament  that we call the Holy Eucharist; which is food for our journey. During the Pandemic in 2020 many had to go living with out this bread from heaven. We were forced to be separated from Jesus’ gift to his flock. The Good shepherd however will remained with those members of his flock in this time of Eucharistic famine. Spiritually we were being starved, yet how many of us take the Eucharist for granted. I pray that we may never be deprive again from the opportunity of receive the gift of the Eucharist.

    “The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I shall want.” When we allow the Lord to Shepherd us we are in good hands. He will never lead us into danger or total destruction. He may however have to lead us through danger. Right now he is leading us through the desert, but in Jesus the Good Shepherd we find security like no other. Jesus says at the end of todays Gospel: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. This is where he leads us. So don’t lose heart and remain close to the heart of the good Shepherd. He loves you and longs to nourish you with himself and he offers us the abundant life.  Amen

Fr. Brito

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