While Father Steve enjoys some well deserved time off, this reflection from Liturgical Publications becomes our blog for this week:

Scripture Reflection The Fourth Sunday of Easter

         Many of us name Psalm 23 as our favorite. It is sung at funerals, including at Blessed Mother Teresa's. It adorns many a home in framed needlepoint and refrigerator magnets. Many of the words remain in our memory, available for instant recitation when the time is right. Of course, truth be told, it may be the only real psalm we know, or at least the only one whose number we know.

         There is a reason for the popularity of this psalm. The image it conveys to us is one of helpless little lambs that are so very loved by a Good Shepherd. We see ourselves as lambs being led by someone who cares so much for us. When we are hurt, he holds us. When we are lost, he finds us.

Some have said that, because most of us have never seen a real shepherd at work, the image does not have the same power. But the popularity of the image tells a different story. Add to the images mentioned above the reality that this Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, and the image is pretty easy to understand. We hear his voice, and we follow; we follow him into eternal life.  ©LPI communications