Education in Faith
Fourth Sunday in Easter - Year C
This week is the fourth Sunday of Easter also called ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’, the Gospel verses are taken from the tenth chapter of St John. Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd, who brings life, love and protection to those within his flock.
He talks about how important it is to listen to him. And how he knows us and cares about each and every one of us, no matter who we are.
This chapter of John's Gospel talks about Jesus' healing of the man born blind and the rejection of a miracle by Jewish leaders who question Jesus' authority to heal him. They question him, “Are you the Messiah?” Jesus responds by saying, “If you have to ask, then you are not one of my sheep.” He responds to this challenge by calling himself the Good Shepherd. By doing this, Jesus asserts his unity with the Father. This message speaks powerfully about the familiarity and intimacy between Jesus and his disciples, expressed as recognising and knowing another's voice.
It also speaks about the relationship between Jesus and the Father. In the Gospel of John, Jesus identifies so closely with the Father that he tells us that they are one - not just close, but actually one. To know Jesus is to know the Father. Jesus does not just bring us closer to the Father, He puts us directly into contact with God the Father, removing all distance between us. Our relationship with Jesus is an invitation to share in the life of God.
Hearing all of this, the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders are so angered by what Jesus says that they attempt to stone him for blasphemy, and look forward to arrest Jesus but he escapes arrest.
We may be less familiar with the metaphors of sheep and shepherd than those to whom Jesus spoke. The image of Jesus as Good Shepherd and the community of followers as his sheep has endured over the centuries as a primary image in our faith tradition. Its power to describe the relationship between Jesus and his followers go beyond direct experience with sheep. The image speaks to us about the protection, security, and care that shepherds represent for their sheep.
Discussion Starters
- I have a real feeling of belonging to . . .
- I felt Jesus inviting me to follow him this week when . . .
- Today I hear Jesus’ voice in . . .
This week we celebrate Mother’s Day.
God could not be everywhere.
Therefore, he created mothers!
Let us thank God for the beautiful gift of our mothers and Grandmothers.
We pray for all mothers.
Sacramental News and Dates
Please note the following dates could change due to Covid -19 restrictions.
| First Eucharist | Parent and Child Workshop Tuesday 12th July 6 pm at SFS | Sunday July 17th at 11:00 am at St. Kevin’s Parish | Reconciliation and Eucharist Practice at St. Kevin’s –Friday 15th July During School Time- Parents need not attend |
| Confirmation | Parent and Child Workshop Tuesday 2nd August 6 pm at SFS | Thursday August 11th at 6:00 pm at St. Kevin’s Parish |
Sacrament Levy
There is a $15 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost for:
- a guest speaker to conduct a Parent and Child Workshop for each Sacrament.
- professionally made stoles.
- a candle for children receiving reconciliation.
- children receiving First Eucharist and Confirmation to travel to St. Kevin’s Church for Reconciliation, Eucharist practice, and reflection day by bus.
This levy needs to be paid in full to the school in an envelope clearly indicating your child’s name, Home Group and name of Sacrament being received before or on the day of your Family Workshop Session.
God Bless
Rozeta Ambrose