Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The fourth Sunday of Easter is also called Good Shepherd Sunday. In each of the three lectionary cycles, our Gospel is taken from the 10th chapter of the Gospel of John. In Cycle B, we hear the middle verses of this chapter. Unless we consider this chapter in the greater context of John’s Gospel, we will miss the radical nature of the statement Jesus makes when he declares himself to be the Good Shepherd.
This chapter of John’s Gospel follows Jesus’ healing of the man born blind and the rejection of this miracle by the Jewish leaders who question Jesus’ authority to heal. Jesus responds to this challenge by calling himself the Good Shepherd. He is criticizing the leadership of the Pharisees and the other Jewish leaders. The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders are so angry that they attempt to stone and arrest Jesus (see John 10:31,39).
This controversy with the religious leaders continues until Jesus’ death. In the portion of the chapter that we hear proclaimed today, Jesus describes his relationship with his followers as similar to the relationship between a good shepherd and his sheep. As a good shepherd will risk and lay down his life in order to protect his sheep, Jesus willingly sacrifices himself for the sake of his sheep. Jesus contrasts the actions of the good shepherd with the actions of the hired shepherd who abandons the sheep in the face of danger. In the verses following Jesus’ teaching, we learn that the Pharisees and the other religious leaders understand that Jesus is referring to them when he describes the hired shepherds.
The concern of a good shepherd for his sheep is part of the shepherd’s job. Jesus says, however, that the actions of the good shepherd are based upon the relationship that develops between the shepherd and the sheep. This is at the heart of the difference between the good shepherd and the hired shepherd.
The good shepherd knows the sheep and therefore acts out of love. For the Good Shepherd, this is never simply part of a job; this love-in-action is integral to his identity. As with so much of John’s Gospel, one hears in this passage John’s particular focus on Christology. As the sheep are known by the Good Shepherd, the Father knows Jesus and Jesus knows the Father. There is an essential unity between the Father and the Son. The freedom with which Jesus acts when he lays down his life is rooted in the unity that he shares with his Father.
In this context, Jesus also refers to others with whom he shares a relationship. By this reference, John probably understands the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles in the Christian community.
Our modern ears hear this as a reference to Christian unity. The work of ecumenism is to restore unity among all Christians so that we form one flock under one shepherd, as God desires. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for 4th Sunday of Easter, Year B.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 22nd April 2024 at 10am in the parish hall. All senior’s welcome.
URGENT Weekday Readers Required
We are URGENTLY seeking readers to read at the Midday Masses. If you can assist on a regular basis and would like to go onto the readers roster for weekdays, please contact the Parish Office with your details.
Eucharistic Ministers
We are looking at recommencing the Eucharistic Ministers Roster and are seeking all Eucharistic Ministers who are willing to assist. Once we have the list of available Eucharistic Ministers we will then go through the process of some training and updating all WWCC and ensuring that everyone has had WWCC induction sessions. We are hoping to have the roster up and running by mid-May. If you would like to join the roster, please contact the Parish Office asap with your details and availability at Masses.
Repairs to Side Foyer Church Doors
On Monday 29th April the side entrance doors to the Basilica will be removed for repairs and temporary doors will be installed. Please note that entrance via those doors may be unavailable for that day. Entrance via front doors will be available. Any queries please contact the parish office.
Pew Restoration Program
We are currently obtaining quotes to refurbish and restore the church pews. Once we have a quote, we will then be seeking donations towards the refurbishment and restoration of the pews. More information to come.
Planned Giving
The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish and assists us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week. Last week giving was 51%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. For more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
EFT First Collection Details
BSB: 086 006
A/c No: 56187 5405
Reference: 1st Collection and your name
First Collection supports the Priests.
EFT Second Collection Details
BSB: 066 107
A/c No: 0080 0216
Reference: 2nd Collection and your name
Second Collection supports the Parish.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costello SDB with the aim of providing a safe and secure environment for all its members, leaders and especially children and vulnerable adults. The parish of St Patrick’s Basilica is committed to creating a safe parish. To read more, visit http://fremantlestpatricks.org.au/parish-safeguarding-project/.
Coming Events
Monday 22nd April
Senior’s Morning Tea
Thursday 25th April
Anzac Day