by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 13, 2022 | Evangelium

Saturday 14th may 2022

St. Matthias,

Apostle

He was not one of the Twelve; but after the treachery and death of Judas Iscariot, someone was needed to take his place. The choice fell on Matthias.

Entrance Antiphon : Jn 15: 16

It was not you who chose me, says the Lord, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit,  fruit that will last, alleluia.

Collect

O God, who assigned Saint Matthias a place in the college of Apostles, grant us, through his intercession, that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us, we may merit to be numbered among the elect. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading : Acts 1:15-17,20-26

One day Peter stood up to speak to the brothers – there were about a hundred and twenty persons in the congregation: ‘Brothers, the passage of scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit, speaking through David, foretells the fate of Judas, who offered himself as a guide to the men who arrested Jesus – after having been one of our number and actually sharing this ministry of ours. Now in the Book of Psalms it says: Let someone else take his office. ‘We must therefore choose someone who has been with us the whole time that the Lord Jesus was travelling round with us, someone who was with us right from the time when John was baptising until the day when he was taken up from us – and he can act with us as a witness to his resurrection.’ Having nominated two candidates, Joseph known as Barsabbas, whose surname was Justus, and Matthias, they prayed, ‘Lord, you can read everyone’s heart; show us therefore which of these two you have chosen to take over this ministry and apostolate, which Judas abandoned to go to his proper place.’ They then drew lots for them, and as the lot fell to Matthias, he was listed as one of the twelve apostles.

Psalm 112:1-8

R/ The Lord sets him in the company of the princes of his people.

I     Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! May the name of the Lord be blessed both now and for evermore!

2. From the rising of the sun to its setting praised be the name of the Lord! High above all nations is the Lord, above the heavens his glory.
3. Who is like the Lord, our God, who has risen on high to his throne yet stoops from the heights to look down, to look down upon heaven and earth?
4. From the dust he lifts up the lowly, from the dungheap he raises the poor to set him in the company of princes, yes, with the princes of his people.

Gospel Acclamation : cf.Jn15:16

Alleluia, alleluia! I chose you from the world to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, says the Lord.  Alleluia!

Gospel : John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love.If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete. This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master’s business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. You did not choose me: no, I chose you;and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name.  What I command you is to love one another.’

Prayer over the Offerings

Receive, O Lord, the offerings of your Church, reverently presented for the Feast of Saint Matthias, and through them strengthen us by the power of your grace. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Jn 15: 12

This is my commandment: love one another, as I love you, says the Lord, alleluia.

Prayer after Communion

Never cease, O Lord, we pray, to fill your family with divine gifts, and, through blessed Matthias’ intercession for us, graciously admit us to a share in the lot of the Saints in light. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

Christ has chosen all of to remain in His love. His love has made us His friends. Love is the rule that guides the life of a Christian. With love one can move mountains. Without love you cannot bear lasting fruits. And ours is not to bear fruit that is limited by time and space, but to build in the hearts of people fruits that will last. This involves creating a soul fit for God. Every task is noble when carried out in love. Let us love and let love lead us to bearing fruits that lead to Eternal Life.

by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 12, 2022 | Evangelium

Friday 13th may 2022

St. John the Silent

Also known as St John the Hesychast he was a Christian saint known for living alone for seventy-six years. He was given the surname because he loved recollection and silence.

Entrance Antiphon : Rv 5: 9-10

You have redeemed us, Lord, by your Blood, from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us into a kingdom, priests for our God, alleluia.

Collect

O God, author of our freedom and of our salvation, listen to the voice of our pleading and grant that those you have redeemed by the shedding of your Son’s Blood may have life through you and, under your protection, rejoice for ever unharmed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading : Acts 13:26-33

Paul stood up in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia, held up a hand for silence and began to speak: ‘My brothers, sons of Abraham’s race, and all you who fear God, this message of salvation is meant for you. What the people of Jerusalem and their rulers did, though they did not realise it, was in fact to fulfil the prophecies read on every sabbath. Though they found nothing to justify his death, they condemned him and asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out everything that Scripture foretells about him they took him down from the tree and buried him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem: and it is these same companions of his who are now his witnesses before our people. ‘We have come here to tell you the Good News. It was to our ancestors that God made the promise but it is to us, their children, that he has fulfilled it, by raising Jesus from the dead. As Scripture says in the second psalm: You are my son: today I have become your father.’

Psalm 2:6-11

R/  You are my Son. It is I who have begotten you this day.

1. ‘It is I who have set up my king, on Zion, my holy mountain.’ I will announce the decree of the Lord: The Lord said to me: ‘You are my Son. It is I who have begotten you this day.
2. ‘Ask and I shall bequeath you the nations, put the ends of the earth in your possession. With a rod of iron you will break them, shatter them like a potter’s jar.’
3. Now, O kings, understand, take warning, rulers of the earth; serve the Lord with awe and trembling, pay him your homage.

Gospel Acclamation : Col 3:1

Alleluia, alleluia! Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Alleluia!

Gospel : John 14:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me.  There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not, I should have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too. You know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’

Prayer over the Offerings

Accept in compassion, Lord, we pray, the offerings of your family, that under your protective care, they may never lose what they have received, but attain the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Rm 4: 25

Christ our Lord was condemned for our transgressions and was raised again for our justification, alleluia.

Prayer after Communion

Keep safe, O Lord, we pray, those whom you have saved by your kindness, that, redeemed by the Passion of your Son, they may rejoice in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns for  ever and ever.

Meditation

Do not let your hearts be troubled. It is often the unconscious case that as Christians, we think more of our problems and misfortunes than of the graces and power of our God who can solve all our troubles. A famous statement says: “Do not tell your God how big your problems are, but tell your problems how big your God is.” This is a great reversal but one that is worth it. We are plagued on every side and by almost everything. Yet we can be sure and not waver as we strive on daily. This is done by building a great trust in God. In all circumstances of our life, let us say, “Jesus I trust in you.”

by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 11, 2022 | Evangelium

Thursday 12th may 2022

Ss. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs

Nereus and Achilleus are two soldiers that suffered martyrdom under the persecution of Diocletian. Two basilicas in Rome are dedicated to their memory. They are remembered for their strength in faith even under persection.

Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 67: 8-9, 20

O God, when you went forth before your people, marching with them and living among them, the earth trembled, heavens poured down rain, alleluia.

Collect

O God, who restore human nature to yet greater dignity than at its beginnings, look upon the amazing mystery of your loving kindness, and in those you have chosen to make new through the wonder of rebirth, may you preserve the gifts of your enduring grace and blessing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading : Acts 13:13-25

Paul and his friends went by sea from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia where John left them to go back to Jerusalem. The others carried on from Perga till they reached Antioch in Pisidia. Here they went to the synagogue on the sabbath and took their seats. After the lessons from the Law and the Prophets had been read, the presidents of the synagogue sent them a message: ‘Brothers, if you would like to address some words of encouragement to the congregation, please do so.’ Paul stood up, held up a hand for silence and began to speak: ‘Men of Israel, and fearers of God, listen! The God of our nation Israel chose our ancestors, and made our people great when they were living as foreigners in Egypt; then by divine power he led them out, and for about forty years took care of them in the wilderness. When he had destroyed seven nations in Canaan, he put them in possession of their land for about four hundred and fifty years. After this he gave them judges, down to the prophet Samuel. Then they demanded a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin. After forty years, he deposed him and made David their king, of whom he approved in these words, “I have selected David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will carry out my whole purpose.” To keep his promise, God has raised up for Israel one of David’s descendants, Jesus, as Saviour, whose coming was heralded by John when he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the whole people of Israel. Before John ended his career he said, “I am not the one you imagine me to be; that one is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal.”’

Psalm 88:2-3,21,22,25,27

R/  I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

1. I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.
2. I have found David my servant and with my holy oil anointed him. My hand shall always be with him and my arm shall make him strong.
3. My truth and my love shall be with him; by my name his might shall be exalted. He will say to me: ‘You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me.’

Gospel Acclamation : cf.Rv1:5

Alleluia, alleluia! You, O Christ, are the faithful witness, the First-born from the dead, you have loved us and have washed away our sins with your blood. Alleluia!

Gospel : John 13:16-20

After he had washed the feet of his disciples, Jesus said to them: ‘I tell you most solemnly, no servant is greater than his master, no messenger is greater than the man who sent him. ‘Now that you know this, happiness will be yours if you behave accordingly. I am not speaking about all of you: I know the ones I have chosen; but what Scripture says must be fulfilled: Someone who shares my table rebels against me. ‘I tell you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe that I am He. I tell you most solemnly, whoever welcomes the one I send welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.’

Prayer over the Offerings

May our prayers rise up to you, O Lord, together with the sacrificial offerings, so that, purified by your graciousness, we may be conformed to the mysteries of your mighty love. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Mt 28: 20

Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, alleluia.

Prayer after Communion

Almighty ever-living God, who restore us to eternal life in the Resurrection of Christ, increase in us, we pray, the fruits of this paschal Sacrament and pour into our hearts the strength of this saving food. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

God’s plan is that all of us should be saved. Yet by our choices we either conform to His plan or go away from it. To be in accord with God’s plan for us, we have to follow His example and the pattern of life He marked out for us, for “no servant is greater than his master.” Every apprentice who instead of learning from the master decides to become his proper master never really ends up correctly. It is a fact of life. This does not mean, however, that a master is a limitation to an apprentices’ potentials. The master is a guide, a director to a proper of the talents and gifts use inherent in the apprentice. If we copy or learn from Christ, we shall be like Christ to the world.

by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 9, 2022 | Evangelium

Tuesday 10th may 2022

St. Damien of Molokai

(1840 – 1889)

Joseph de Veuster was born in Belgium and took the name Damien on entering the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary at Leuven. At his own request, he took up residence at the leper colony at Kalaupapa and ministered to them until he caught leprosy himself and eventually died of it.

Entrance Antiphon : Rv 19: 7, 6

Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory to God, for the Lord our God the Almighty reigns, alleluia.

Collect

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, celebrating the mysteries of the Lord’s Resurrection, we may merit to receive the joy of our redemption. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading : Acts 11:19-26

Those who had escaped during the persecution that happened because of Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but they usually proclaimed the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, who came from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch where they started preaching to the Greeks, proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Jesus to them as well. The Lord helped them, and a great number believed and were converted to the Lord. The Church in Jerusalem heard about this and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. There he could see for himself that God had given grace, and this pleased him, and he urged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion; for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a large number of people were won over to the Lord. Barnabas then left for Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. As things turned out they were to live together in that Church a whole year, instructing a large number of people. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians.’

Psalm 86:1-7

R/  O praise the Lord, all you nations!

1. On the holy mountain is his city cherished by the Lord. The Lord prefers the gates of Zion
2. To all Jacob’s dwellings. Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!
3. ‘Babylon and Egypt I will count among those who know me; Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia, these will be her children and Zion  shall be called “Mother” for all shall be her children.’
4. It is he, the Lord Most High, who gives each his place. In his register of peoples, he writes: ‘These are her children,’ and while they dance, they will sing: ‘In you all find their home.’

Gospel Acclamation : Jn10:27

Alleluia, alleluia! The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice,  says the Lord,  I know them and they follow me. Alleluia!

Gospel : John 10:22-30

It was the time when the feast of Dedication was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered round him and said, ‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus replied: ‘I have told you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness; but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine. The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me. The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father. The Father and I are one.’

Prayer over the Offerings

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that we may always find delight in these paschal mysteries, so that the renewal constantly at work within us may be the cause of our unending joy. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Lk 24: 46, 26

The Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory, alleluia.

Prayer after Communion

Hear, O Lord, our prayers, that this most holy exchange, by which you have redeemed us, may bring your help in this present life and ensure for us eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

Who is your master? Who is the master of your house? Who is the cornerstone of your life? The Words of Christ direct and give order and life to the sheep that belong to Him. It is possible to be a Christian and not be a sheep of the Lord. How sad will it be in the end that many who call themselves Christians today are not counted among the saints in heavenbecause of neglect of the Words and promptings of Christ. Can I just focus today on the things that God tells me in His Word?

by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 8, 2022 | Evangelium

Monday 09th may 2022

St. George Preca

(1880 – 1962)

He founded the Society for Christian Doctrine in 1907. He composed the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary in 1957. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on 3 June 2007, being described as “Malta’s second father in faith” after St Paul.

Entrance Antiphon : Rm 6: 9

Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death will no longer have dominion over him, alleluia.

Collect

O God, perfect light of the blessed, by whose gift we celebrate the paschal mysteries on earth, bring us, we pray, to rejoice in the full measure of your grace for ages unending. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading : Acts 11:1-18

The apostles and the brothers in Judaea heard that the pagans too had accepted the word of God, and when Peter came up to Jerusalem the Jews criticised him and said, ‘So you have been visiting the uncircumcised and eating with them, have you?’ Peter in reply gave them the details point by point: ‘One day, when I was in the town of Jaffa,’ he began ‘I fell into a trance as I was praying and had a vision of something like a big sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. This sheet reached the ground quite close to me. I watched it intently and saw all sorts of animals and wild beasts – everything possible that could walk, crawl or fly. Then I heard a voice that said to me, “Now, Peter; kill and eat!” But I answered: Certainly not, Lord; nothing profane or unclean has ever crossed my lips. And a second time the voice spoke from heaven, “What God has made clean, you have no right to call profane.” This was repeated three times, before the whole of it was drawn up to heaven again. ‘Just at that moment, three men stopped outside the house where we were staying; they had been sent from Caesarea to fetch me, and the Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going back with them. The six brothers here came with me as well, and we entered the man’s house. He told us he had seen an angel standing in his house who said, “Send to Jaffa and fetch Simon known as Peter; he has a message for you that will save you and your entire household.” ‘I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came on us at the beginning, and I remembered that the Lord had said, “John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” I realised then that God was giving them the identical thing he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; and who was I to stand in God’s way?’ This account satisfied them, and they gave glory to God. ‘God’ they said ‘can evidently grant even the pagans the repentance that leads to life.’

Psalm 41:2-3,42:3-4

R/  My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life.

1. Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God.
2. My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life; when can I enter and see the face of God?
3. O send forth your light and your truth; let these be my guide. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
4. And I will come to the altar of God, the God of my joy. My redeemer, I will thank you on the harp, O God, my God.

Gospel Acclamation : Jn10:14

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own sheep and my own know me. Alleluia!

Gospel : John 10:1-10

Jesus said: ‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.’ Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them. So Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I tell you most solemnly, I am the gate of the sheepfold. All others who have come are thieves and brigands; but the sheep took no notice of them. I am the gate. Anyone who enters through me will be safe: he will go freely in and out and be sure of finding pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.’

Prayer over the Offerings

Receive, O Lord, we pray, these offerings of your exultant Church, and, as you have given her cause for such great gladness, grant also that the gifts we bring may bear fruit in perpetual happiness. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Jn 20: 19

Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them: Peace be with you, alleluia.

Prayer after Communion

Look with kindness upon your people, O Lord, and grant, we pray, that those you were pleased to renew by eternal mysteries may attain in their flesh the incorruptible glory of the resurrection. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

the world has a lot about people who have attempted to usurp the place of God in the life of mankind. Many of such individuals think that the only road to salvation or to be saved is through them and out of them there is no real salvation. Today, Christ makes us know that all who want to be saved must pass through Him. He is not just the shepherd but also the gate through which all who desire true salvation must pass. Out of Christ, we shall be misled and led to ruins instead of to a feast. Through Him, we are sure of salvation. Without Him, we are sure of damnation

by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 7, 2022 | Evangelium

Sunday 08th may 2022

4^th Sunday of Easter,

Psalter IV

Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 32: 5-6

The merciful love of the Lord fills the earth; by the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia.

Collect

Almighty ever-living God, lead us to a share in the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd htas gone before. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading : Acts 13:14,43-52

Paul and Barnabas carried on from Perga till they reached Antioch in Pisidia. Here they went to synagogue on the Sabbath and took their seats. When the meeting broke up many Jews and devout converts joined Paul and Barnabas, and in their talks with them Paul and Barnabas urged them to remain faithful to the grace God had given them. The next sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the word of God. When they saw the crowds, the Jews, prompted by jealousy, used blasphemies and contradicted everything Paul said. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly. ‘We had to proclaim the word of God to you first, but since you have rejected it, since you do not think yourselves worthy of eternal life, we must turn to the pagans. For this is what the Lord commanded us to do when he said: I have made you a light for the nations, so that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.’ It made the pagans very happy to hear this and they thanked the Lord for his message; all who were destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread through the whole countryside. But the Jews worked upon some of the devout women of the upper classes and the leading men of the city and persuaded them to turn against Paul and Barnabas and expel them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in defiance and went off to Iconium; but the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 99(100):1-3,5

R/  We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

1. Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy.
2. Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
3. Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age.

Second reading : Apocalypse 7:9, 14-17

I, John, saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language; they were standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands. One of the elders said, ‘These are the people who have been through the great persecution, and because they have washed their robes white again in the blood of the Lamb, they now stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his sanctuary; and the One who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. They will never hunger or thirst again; neither the sun nor scorching wind will ever plague them, because the Lamb who is at the throne will be their shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.’

Gospel Acclamation : Jn10:14

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own sheep and my own know me. Alleluia!

Gospel : John 10:27-30

Jesus said: ‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me. The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father. The Father and I are one.’

Prayer over the Offerings

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that we may always find delight in these paschal mysteries, so that the renewal constantly at work within us may be the cause of our unending joy. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon

The Good Shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock, alleluia.

Prayer after Communion

Look upon your flock, kind Shepherd, and be pleased to settle in eternal pastures, the sheep you have redeemed by the Precious Blood of your Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Meditation

The Good Shepherd is Jesus who knows the sheep, gives them Eternal Life, in whom they are never lost, and no one can steal them from Him. None can be lost if he or she accepts Jesus as the Shepherd. Safety and soundness are found only in Him. True happiness and holiness come from Him. We may betray and hurt him through sin, but He never abandons us because He abandoned everything to save us. The Good Shepherd never gives up on His sheep. Let us always remember this in our hearts as we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday and World Day of Vocations. May Christ be the true Shepherd of our souls and activities. Amen.