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April 19, 2024Good Shepherd Sunday
Jesus spoke often about sheep and shepherds, using this image to powerfully communicate with his listeners. The people of this time would have been very familiar with the behavior, habits and practices of sheep and their caretakers. John 10 is famous for making this comparison between the shepherds and flocks of Palestine and the shepherds and flocks of the Church.
Because of this Gospel, today is called Good Shepherd Sunday. It is a day when we thank God for our shepherds. I am including not just our priests, but our parents, the sisters who taught us in Catholic school or Sunday school, people who gave us strong examples of faithful Catholic living, etc. I have heard it said that God always sends us the right people and the right books at the right time! I have found that to be true in my own life. God sent faith-filled people into my life at very important times when I was struggling with things or trying to make major decisions. I thank God for these shepherds. And I “stumbled upon” certain books which changed my life! I know this was all orchestrated by God.
I always had wonderful priests in my parish growing up. They were as different as night and day, but they were all kind, faithful, hardworking; and they taught me so many things about Jesus which I did not know. Some taught through words and in their homilies. Others taught more through their good example and love. I thank God for all of the shepherds he sent me!
We welcome one of our finest seminarians to St. Michael’s parish today. Jared Miller is visiting us this weekend, and he will be sharing his vocation story during the homily time on this Good Shepherd Sunday. He will be an excellent “good shepherd” as a priest of our Diocese of Savannah very soon! Thank you for welcoming him to St. Michael’s parish.
Fr. Brett Brannen
Pastor
