Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Theme: “God’s Gathering Grace: One Shepherd, One Flock”
Readings: Ezekiel 37:21–28 | Jeremiah 31:10–13 | Gospel Acclamation: Ezekiel 18:31 | John 11:45–56

🌅 Today’s readings speak of unity, restoration, and divine protection. God is not merely fixing what's broken—He is gathering a scattered people into one heart, one purpose, one hope. As we prepare to enter Holy Week, we’re invited to see God as the Shepherd who guards, gathers, and guides His flock—especially in fractured times.

😂 There’s a story that says: "South Africans are so diverse, if we were sheep, even the shepherd would need a Google map!" But thank God—we don't need a GPS to find Him. His mercy always finds us—even when we’ve wandered off the path.

📖 In Ezekiel 37, God promises to gather His people from exile, to unite what was divided, and to dwell with them forever. He speaks of one shepherd over them—a promise pointing toward Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

In John 11, we find Jesus at the centre of conflict. After raising Lazarus, the religious leaders begin plotting His death. Ironically, Caiaphas the high priest prophesies without realising it, saying:

“It is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.”
His words, meant politically, became prophetic. Jesus would indeed die—for all people—so that all might be gathered into one flock.

God doesn’t scatter—He gathers. He doesn’t exclude—He embraces. In a divided world, God dreams of unity rooted in love, not control.

✝️ At the Eucharist, the prophecy is fulfilled: we, the scattered, become one body in Christ. We are nourished at the same table, guarded by the same Shepherd, called to the same mission. Unity in the Eucharist reflects God's deepest desire: that we may be one.

❓ Question for Reflection

• Where in my life is there division?
• Am I a bridge-builder—or someone who creates distance?
• What would it mean to be “gathered” by Christ today?

🛠️ Daily Practical Application

• Reach out to someone you’ve distanced yourself from—send a message, make a call.

• Pray for unity—in your family, parish, community, and nation.

• Let go of one barrier in your heart: a grudge, a stereotype, a fear.

💔 To anyone feeling like they don’t belong, like they’ve been left out or pushed aside—hear this: God wants you back. You are not forgotten. You are part of the flock. And the Shepherd is searching for you with love.

🕊️ What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

• Be a gatherer, not a divider—welcome newcomers in your parish, youth, or community groups.

• Support healing initiatives—visit homes, pray for the wounded, uplift voices of reconciliation.

• Reflect Jubilee hope by being a sign of unity in diversity.

🇿🇦 Mzansi is a land of many languages, tribes, and traditions. But our unity has always been our power. Like sheep with different wool but the same shepherd, we are strongest when we walk together in love.

💬 "God’s grace does not scatter—it gathers. Where love leads, unity follows."

🧭 Pilgrims of Hope

As Pilgrims of Hope, we are not just journeying toward heaven—we are walking with others, pulling the broken-hearted along, gathering those left behind. We walk as one flock, trusting one Shepherd.

🙏 

Lord Jesus,
You are the Shepherd who gathers and guards.
Draw me close when I wander,
Unite what is broken in me and around me.
Help me to live as a builder of bridges,
A carrier of Your reconciling love.
In this Jubilee Year,
may I be a sign of hope and unity.
Amen.