The Gospel of the Good Shepherd is read every Fourth Sunday of Easter. The image of the selfless shepherd—one who risks everything for his flock—attains its full significance when viewed through the lens of the Lord’s Passion and Death, which we have recently celebrated. 

Although not included in today’s specific reading, the parable continues: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Deeply cherished within the Church, this image fills us with confidence and hope. As the Lord’s disciples, we know we do not journey through this world alone; we remain always under the care and guidance of the Good Shepherd.

Tending flocks was a common practice throughout the Holy Land, and the Lord’s contemporaries understood perfectly what He was teaching them through this parable. At dusk, shepherds would bring their flocks to a communal sheepfold within the village for shelter. The following morning, each shepherd would return to lead his own sheep out, guiding them toward the day's pastures. The Lord identifies Himself not only as the Good Shepherd but also as the gate of the sheepfold—a fascinating comparison. 

In a physical sheepfold, the gate allowed both shepherds and sheep to enter and exit; thieves and bandits, by contrast, avoided the gate in favor of unauthorized entry points. By calling Himself the "Gate," the Lord signifies that it is only through Him that we gain access to God’s sheepfold: the Church. The Sacrament of Baptism marks the moment a disciple passes through this Gate for the first time. From that day forward, we become sheep of the Good Shepherd, who never abandons us. Through the anointing with Sacred Chrism, we receive the seal of the Holy Spirit—the sign of Christianity. In this mystery, we are claimed as the Lord’s very own and called to place our lives at the service of the Good Shepherd. 

Every day, the Good Shepherd leads His sheep to find nourishment in the pastures. His sheep follow, ever attentive to His voice. Indeed, the Christian life is a life of following the Lord: we walk behind Him, follow His guidance, listen to His word, and offer our obedience.

In this light, I wish to highlight the vital role of daily prayer. As each day begins, we must pray—asking God for the grace to accomplish the tasks before us. Morning prayer is that sacred moment when the Good Shepherd opens the gate, calls us by name, and invites us to follow Him. Conversely, evening prayer is when the Lord brings us back to His fold; He opens the gate and allows us to rest, safe from all danger. May we all remain faithful and generous in our personal prayer.

The Lord declares: “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” To follow the Lord—to listen to and obey His commandments—is the hallmark of a faithful sheep. These instructions are not burdens; they are intended to keep the flock safe. Indeed, obeying the Lord is what shields us from harm. If we fail to listen to the Shepherd’s voice, we will lose the path that leads to life.

The Good Shepherd promises: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we thank God the Father for sending His Son to shepherd our lives. We thank the Lord for laying down His life to rescue us from evil. With faith and humility, we ask Him to help us hear His voice, that we may walk the paths of life throughout our journey in this world.