Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
There are several things going on this Sunday.
First, it is Mother’s Day. So happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms. You kept us out of danger as much as you could. You prayed for us to stay close to the Lord. You urged us to always do our best. You loved us, even when we didn’t always seem to love you back. Thank you!
Second, today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus tells us that he must be our leader, and we must be the followers. Sometimes we get that backward. We want God to follow us. But it doesn’t work that way. We must trust Jesus, because he knows the way to peace and happiness. We must be loyal to him, listen for his voice, and then obey it. Only Jesus will lead us to the green pastures that we seek.
And, thirdly, today is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. So, please pray for God to send laborers into the vineyard and to preach the Gospel, just like Paul and Barnabas preached to the crowds in today’s first reading. God calls some men to be priests and other men and women to the committed religious life as consecrated brothers and sisters in the Church. He also calls many people to marriage in the Church. What we must pray for is that we have people who listen to God’s call and say to God with courage, “Here I am Lord. Send me.” I am pleased to tell you that next week I will ordain eight men to the priesthood. They inspire all of us to listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow his call wherever it leads.
And that brings me to this last happy reflection. We have a new successor of St. Peter, Pope Leo XIV! I always believed that we would never have a pope from America. Well, once again, I have learned that with God all things are possible. May the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, be a good shepherd for our one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church that is built on the faith of St. Peter and his successors. Let us keep our new pope in our daily prayers.
Once again, Happy Mother’s Day to the women who provide us with life. And may our deceased moms, including my own, rest in peace.
Have a blessed week everyone.