Daily Gospel Reflection for April 21, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Fr. Edward Looney

Today's Gospel: John 10:11-18

Many people know the Fourth Sunday of Easter as Good Shepherd Sunday. Each year the Gospel revolves around Jesus’s teaching and identification as the good shepherd. In your life as a disciple, who has been a good shepherd for you? I’d especially encourage you to think of a priest who has been that good shepherd. My hope is that you will be able to identify at least one priest. If you are unable, then the Church has failed you.

It could be:

• The priest who baptized you.
• The priest who served your parish during your childhood and probably administered your First Holy Communion.
• The priest who was a campus minister at your college or university.
• The priest who witnessed your marriage.
• A priest who was the spiritual director for a retreat.
• Your parish priest who has taught you and preached the Word of God.
• The priest who sacramentally cared for a sick family member.

Jesus says that the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. A good priest lays down his life when he dies to self and serves his people. A good shepherd knows his sheep. The priest you thought of as a good shepherd probably knew your name and a lot about your life because he cared. A good shepherd speaks and teaches. The priest you named may have impacted you by his words of preaching or wise counsel in the confessional.

As a member of Christ’s flock, let this Sunday be a moment to thank God for the priests who have imitated Christ in their service and to pray that the priests who serve us might be icons of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Ponder:

What priest has been a good shepherd to you and your family?

Pray:

Thank You, Jesus, for Your priests who feed us with the Holy Eucharist. May each priest I know reflect Christ as the Good Shepherd.

Click to tweet:
As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, let us think of the priests who have reflected this image of Christ to us and thank God for their priestly ministry. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Fr. Edward Looney

Fr. Edward Looney is a priest of the Diocese of Green Bay and pastor of a Catholic parish and school. He is an author of devotional works and children’s books and hosts the podcast How They Love Mary.