This Sunday is often called Good Shepherd Sunday because the Gospels in all three cycles of the Lectionary speak of Christ as a shepherd.  The image of the Good Shepherd in today’s Gospel Passage is the image of a person who cares. He is not like the other, “who has no concern.” He takes the time to get to know others, and he cares so much that he will even give his life for others.
 
We belong to a church populated by caring individuals who give their lives for others: today priests, religious, and lay people are still being martyred for our faith; missionaries struggle in the remotest parts of the world to share God’s love; sisters care lovingly for the sick and dying; educators and catechists pass on the good news of Jesus Christ; and many in our faith community help to reach out to those on the margins of life, especially through the Social Apostolate.
 
But what would happen if all of us were involved, if all of us cared, really cared, about our brothers and sisters who are hungry, homeless, helpless, mistreated, victimized, suffering, unemployed, impoverished, threatened, rejected? What would happen if all of us became good shepherds and cared? Wouldn’t the consequences be monumental if everyone in the Christian community became a good shepherd?
 
No one is permitted to disregard the plight of his brothers living in dire poverty, enmeshed in ignorance and tormented by insecurity.  -- Pope Paul VI, Populorum Progressio,1967:74
 
No one may claim the name Christian and be comfortable in the face of the hunger, homelessness, insecurity, and injustice found in this country and the world.
                                                            -- U.S. Bishops, Economic Justice for All, 1986: #27
 
The focus of practicing our faith can’t just be ensuring that we get ourselves into heaven.  All of us are called to return the love of God that we have experienced in our lives by building up God’s Kingdom here and now.  Next week (April 29 ^th to May 6 ^th) there is a wonderful opportunity for us to make a return to the Lord for his many blessings as we join with our fellow Christians (All Saints Episcopal and Trinity Chapel UMC) in hosting once again a family or two who have hit upon hard times and are looking to get back on their feet through the Family Promise Program. 
 
This year in America, more than 2.5 million children and their parents will experience homelessness.  Family Promise teams with local Churches to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.  Working together, they provide temporary housing and meals for homeless families.  Family Promise teaches financial literacy. They help the homeless find jobs and affordable housing.
 
Our list of people who are willing to help (3 weeks a year) with Family Promise has gotten very limited due to age, illness and relocation.  Volunteering can a blessing for the entire family.   If you still have teens at home take them with you and make it a learning experience.  They will meet some courageous and faith filled people and learn that we could easily be in their shoes but for Grace. It will help your family put material things into perspective and instill a deeper gratitude for what we do have.  This is our faith in action at its very best. 
There is a critical need for people to help as dinner hosts, evening hosts, and overnight hosts.  The commitment can be for one night or two.  Please call Bernie Goode at 912-704-0767 or Joanne Naylor at 912-433-6117
 
2018 World Day of Prayer for Vocations
 
Today the Church throughout the world prays for vocations.  In the Vocations insert in today’s bulletin you’ll find the story of my “spiritual” son, Solomon Kaanan who will be ordained a deacon in December.  I am so proud of him.  Will you make a special effort to ask the Lord for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life?
•Pray for the priests who have ministered to you throughout your life, both living and dead.
•Keep your parish priest in your prayers throughout the week and invite him to dinner.
•Encourage your children, grandchildren, or other young people to consider a vocation as a priest or religious brother or sister.
•Pray a rosary for more young men and women in our diocese to respond to God’s call.

PS I am grateful to Fr. Jean-Luc Zadroga from BC, who filled in for me this Saturday, as I was in Beech Island, SC giving a Day of Retreat to some parents of Aquinas High School students.

Fr. Jerry Ragan