April 26. 4th Sunday of Easter. Good Shepherd and Vocations Sunday. SEE.    Fr Fidelis asked families to share. “I wonder if other mothers or fathers feel like I do about this business with the sheep.   I really do love Pope Francis but can’t easily relate to his saying that we should smell like the sheep.   That’s not a decent thing for me, and I rather hope not totally necessary for my vocation, or yours! But what he really means of course is that we should imitate Jesus, the shepherd, and be close to one another,   intimate and part of one another’s lives, especially within families. Is that what a good life means to you, one of abundance?”    Mrs du Plooy shared, “For me, life in abundance is a nice home, job, enough money at least not to be constantly stressed about it.   Is that unreasonable?” Others commented, “It is also about good relationships, feelings of satisfaction and belonging and spiritual fulfillment and gratitude too.” “Parents thought about “life in abundance” for the future of their children. Let’s ask them how they see it.” Jack asked, “Does abundance not apply to all aspects of nature too, for our sakes, but for all God’s creatures abundance is God’s plan and something for which we are even responsible, in imitation of St Francis.”

JUDGE. Reflect and share. Scripture: I am the door for the sheep; if anyone enters by me he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.   The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.  John 10: 9-10. Pope Francis:  it is a profound spiritual experience to contemplate our loved ones with the eyes of God and to see Christ in them.  This demands a freedom and an openness which enable us to appreciate their dignity.  AL323. Pope Leo:  The Good Shepherd who gives his life for the flock and has other sheep not of this fold is Christ our peace who has conquered death and broken down the walls of division that separate humanity.   His presence, his gift and his victory continue to shine through the perseverance of many witnesses becoming more visible and radiant in the darkness of our times. PM Jan 1.     Act and Pray. . Have a family celebration in thanksgiving for the abundance that exists in our midst.