Education in Faith

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Year A

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

This Sunday’s readings draw us into one of the most comforting and powerful images in Scripture: Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

In the Gospel from Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that He is both the gate and the shepherd. He knows His sheep by name, calls them, and leads them to life in abundance. This is not a distant or abstract relationship ~ it is deeply personal. The sheep recognise His voice because they belong to Him.

The First Reading from Acts of the Apostles, shows the early Church responding to that voice. When Peter speaks, the people are “cut to the heart.” They listen, they turn back to God, and they are baptised. Hearing the Shepherd’s voice leads to transformation.

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 23, echoes this message beautifully:  “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” It reminds us that God provides, guides, and protects ~ even in the darkest valleys.

In a noisy and busy world, many voices compete for our attention ~ expectations, worries, social pressures, and distractions. Yet Jesus gently reminds us: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

The challenge for us is not whether God is speaking ~ but whether we are listening.

Jesus as the Good Shepherd does not force or frighten. He calls, guides, and walks with us. He leads us toward fullness of life ~ not just survival, but a life filled with purpose, peace, and love.

To follow the Good Shepherd means:

• Trusting His guidance, even when the path is unclear
• Recognising His voice through prayer, Scripture, and others
• Choosing love, compassion, and truth in our daily actions

It also means becoming “shepherd-like” for others ~ caring, guiding, and protecting those entrusted to us, especially the vulnerable.

For Our Community: As a school and family community, we are called to:

• Listen for God’s voice in quiet moments
• Be attentive to those who feel lost or unheard
• Create spaces where others feel safe, known, and valued

When we do this, we reflect the love of the Good Shepherd in a real and visible way.

Discussion Starters

• What does it mean to you that Jesus knows you “by name”?

   

• How can you recognise God’s voice in your daily life?

   

• When have you felt guided or supported like a shepherd cares for sheep?

   

• What “voices” in your life make it hard to hear God clearly?

   

• How can you be a “good shepherd” to someone at school, home, or in your community this week? 

Sacramental Dates for 2026

Parents please be aware of the following dates and note them in your calendar:

• Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 19th November 2026.
• Grade 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 13th June 2026.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 29th  August 2026.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

Eucharist: baptised Catholics in Year 3 or who have celebrated their Reconciliation.

Confirmation: Year 6 Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist.

If you have any further questions regarding your child receiving these Sacraments, please feel free to contact me at the school.

God Bless,

Rozeta Ambrose ~ Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au