Good Shepherd Sunday

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We have a new Pope in Pope Leo X1V. I have been told by a Peruvian Marist staying with us in Auckland who has met him and knows him that he is a simple man concerned for the poor. He was not surprised to hear of his election because he ticks a lot of boxes regarding the needs of the Church and the World at this time. How timely it is with his election to focus on the Good Shepherd. May Pope Leo be a shepherd after the mind and heart of Christ.

Today we focus on vocations to religious life and priesthood but also other vocations too.

We celebrate all the various vocations within our communities that God calls us too. Those callings find expression as single people, married people, parents, consecrated people, and as ministerial priests and yes for one man, even Pope. Our common baptism of course unites us in the vocation of Christian with all its implications.

We build up the kingdom of God when we respond generously to God’s call and co-operate with the grace he is always desiring to give us. Our Scripture taken from, John: 27-30, reminds us that Christ is the one who guides us and we belong to him. As the Good Shepherd we can be confident that he is close to us and concerned for us.

Today, we celebrate Mother’s Day too. We hold that vocation in high esteem. We honour our mothers, those who cared for us and communicated the faith to us. Our dear mothers living and deceased, and we remember them in our prayer today and give thanks for them. For all mothers reading this, enjoy your special day.

'The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice...…..

Mary the mother of Jesus and our mother listened attentively to the voice of God. We are called to be like her.

I have chosen a song for you on this Mother's Day with Mum and I singing together. It is called, Listen, Ponder ('O Maria' ) and is track 14 on the album 'Pilgrims of the Heart.'

Blessings on your week and blessings on Pope Leo.

The link below the photograph above takes you to our vocation director, Fr Frank Bird. You may know a young person interested in responding to God's call.