📜 Short Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

Theme: “The Lord is My Shepherd – I Know His Voice”
Readings: Acts 4:8–12 | Psalm 118:1, 8–9, 21–23, 26, 28, 29 | 1 John 3:1–2 | John 10:11–18

😂 Introduction 

One day, a young seminarian boldly declared, “Father, I will lay down my life for the sheep!” The priest chuckled and said, “Start by laying down your phone and helping with the dishes. Then we’ll talk about the sheep.” Sometimes we imagine great sacrifices but ignore the small daily ones!

📖 The Word of God

Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. I know mine and mine know me.”
Unlike hired hands who flee at danger, Jesus stays and sacrifices.
Peter tells us in Acts: “There is no other name by which we are saved.”
John reminds us: “We are God’s children now.” That’s present tense — not just a future hope, but a current identity.

In South Africa, where many feel forgotten or unseen, this Gospel reminds us we are known — by name — by the Shepherd.

🍞 Eucharist

In the Eucharist, the Good Shepherd doesn’t just guide — He feeds us. He becomes our strength, our nourishment, our hope in every Mass.

❓ Question for Reflection

  • Whose voice are you listening to — the Shepherd’s or the world’s noise?
  • Can you tell the difference?

✅ Daily Practical Application

  • Take 5 minutes of silence today.

  • Switch off your phone.

  • Pray, “Lord, let me hear You.”

  • Follow through with what He inspires — it may be a phone call, an apology, or a generous act.

🌧️ For Those Who Encounter Difficulties

If you feel like a lost sheep — financially, emotionally, spiritually — remember:
The Shepherd is looking for you.
He comes into your township, your home, your tears.
You’re never outside His reach — even when you feel it.

🎉 What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Be a small shepherd.

  • Care for someone.

  • Join a parish ministry.

  • Be hope for someone else.

The Jubilee is not just about receiving — it's about giving hope in a struggling world.

💡 Inspiration

“You may not have a pulpit — but your life is a sermon. Make sure it preaches hope.”

🛐 Conclusion

We are all sheep. Some days we’re the lost ones. Other days we’re the stubborn ones. But every day — the Shepherd comes looking.

🙏 Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd,
thank You for knowing me and calling me by name.
Guide my steps today, especially when I wander.
Feed me in the Eucharist, strengthen me with hope,
and make me a gentle shepherd to someone in need.
Amen.

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