The King of Love My Shepherd Is

Dear John,

Happy Mother’s Day! May we all ask Our Lord on this Fourth Sunday of Easter to bless our mothers and celebrate the great Mother of God, Mary Most Holy, as the Mother of us all.

Did you know that the Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday”? The readings of this day always emphasize Jesus as the tender Shepherd who, aware of their frailty, comforts, guards and leads his flock to safety. This theme runs through today’s Readings:

First reading: Acts 13:14, 43-52

Psalm: Psalms 100:1-2, 3, 5

Second reading: Revelation 7:9, 14-17

Gospel: John 10:27-30

Here is a link to today's daily readings.

If awareness of our own sinfulness causes us to fear God’s justice, John’s Gospel contains a wonderfully comforting assertion by Jesus of his protection of His followers that should give us hope and confidence in His care:

“My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. …and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.”

John 10:27-28

This reminds me of lines from a lovely 19th Century hymn emphasizing the goodness of our Good Shepherd. Perhaps you will hear it at Mass today:

“The King of Love my Shepherd is.

Whose goodness faileth never.

I nothing lack if I am His

and He is mine forever.

Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed,
but yet in love He sought me;
and on His shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.”

H.W. Baker 1868

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to inspire you as the Easter season continues
(All programming times listed are Eastern):

May 12th 12:00 AM and May 17th 8:00 PM. Fatima – A Message of Hope. See the miracle at Fatima brought to life through the insights of leading experts and family members of the three shepherd children who witnessed it.

May 13th 5:30 PM. The Message of Fatima: The First Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. During World War I, Mary’s first apparition at Fatima renewed hope for an end to the conflict. See the profound message she shared with the world at that critical time.

May 18th 8:00 PM and May 20th 1:30 AM. Saint Philip Neri, Part 1. Often called the “Apostle of Rome”, St. Philip Neri helped catechize the poor and abandoned youth in his city while growing in virtues that would one day lead to sainthood.

May Jesus, our Good Shepherd, bless you and yours this week,

Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA

EWTN Global Catholic Network

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