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Icon, Jesus Christ The Good Shepherd

good shepherd Sunday

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” because the Mass reading is taken from the Gospel of John, where Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd guiding and guarding his flock to describe His relationship with those He has redeemed: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn. 10:11). The communion antiphon for this Mass reads, “The Good Shepherd is risen! He who laid down his life for his sheep, who died for his flock, he is risen, alleluia.” Good Shepherd Sunday is also recognized as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, where the faithful pray that God will send them good and holy priests who, following the example of Christ, will lay down their lives for His sheep.

For the Mass readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 25, 2021, Good Shepherd Sunday, please enjoy here.

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My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

John 10:27
Mosaic of Christ as the Good Shepherd over the entrance of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, dating from around 430 AD. This image was common in the Roman catacombs of earlier centuries, but there are important developments to be seen in this version. Instead of being shown as a typical countryman, this Good Shepherd has a large golden halo, wears a royal purple mantle over a golden tunic, and holds a tall cross.

We, your people, the flock of your pasture, will give you thanks for ever and ever; we will tell your praise from age to age.”

cf. Psalm 79:13
El Buen Pastor (The Good Shepherd), Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo, ca. 1660. Oil on canvas.

God brought forth his people like sheep; he guided his flock in the desert. He led them safely with nothing to fear.”

cf. Psalm 78:52-53
Tiled Mosaic, The Good Shepherd

Jesus, good shepherd, let us never go astray.

Be not afraid!  And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always.  Holy Family, pray for us.  Amen.

The Holy Family, Murillo
The Heavenly and Earthly Trinities (c. 1675-82) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617 – 1682)

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