The fourth Sunday of Easter is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The scripture passages this weekend all point to the concern of the shepherd for his/her flock. Each year on this Sunday, we reflect on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who devotedly and kindly takes care of his flock (US!). Did you know that the title "Pastor" means shepherd? A shepherd/pastor leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects his flock—responsibilities that belong to every Church leader. The brief Gospel text this weekend offers all of us both comfort and a great challenge. The comforting message is that no one can snatch the sheep out of his Father’s hands. The Good Shepherd will ALWAYS be looking out for our well-being! The challenge is that all of us, pastors and lay people alike, should be good shepherds to those entrusted to our care. Let us become good shepherds and good sheep, good leaders and good followers. We’re all in this TOGETHER! When you think about it, everyone who is entrusted with the care of others is a shepherd. Hence pastors, parents, teachers, doctors, nurses, government officials, etc. are all shepherds. We become good shepherds by loving those entrusted to us, praying for them, spending our time and talents for their welfare, and guarding them from physical and spiritual dangers. Let us be good sheep in the fold of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We can think of our wonderful parish as our “sheepfold.” So, as the good sheep of the parish, we should be listening up to the readings from Sacred Scripture…listening intently to the homilies for direction…taking advantage of the MANY opportunities we have at St. Michael’s to come to know Jesus better (like Bible study classes, adult Faith Formation, reaching out to the needy, being involved in the many ministries available at St. Michael’s, etc.…attending Mass regularly and receiving the Eucharist, the Bread of Life…and simply by “loving one another!” When we are all focused on this, then our “St. Michael’s Sheepfold” will be strong and fruitful! I love the following story and have often used it in presentations I have given. Years ago the great actor Richard Burton was given a grand reception in his childhood parish. While replying to the complimentary speeches in the parish auditorium, he asked if there was anything they specially wanted to hear from him. After a minute's pause, his old pastor asked him if he would recite the Good Shepherd Psalm, Psalm 23 which he had taught Burton in his Sunday school. A strange look came over the actor's face. He paused for a moment, and then said, "I will, on one condition—that after I have recited it, you, my pastor and teacher, will do the same." “I,” said the old and retired pastor “I am not an actor, but, if you wish it, I shall do so.” Impressively the actor began the Psalm. His voice and intonation were perfect. He held his audience spellbound, and, as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from the audience. As it died away, the old pastor rose from his wheelchair and began to recite the same Psalm. His voice was feeble and shivering and his tone was not faultless. But, when he finished, there was not a dry eye in the room. The actor rose and his voice quivered as he said, '"Ladies and gentlemen, I reached your eyes and ears, but my old pastor has reached your hearts. The difference is just this: I know the Psalm but he knows the Shepherd." This sums up everything!!! This Good Shepherd Sunday Jesus wants us to know HIM by experiencing Him and to become good shepherds to those entrusted to our care. GOSPEL QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do you KNOW the Shepherd?