The Good Shepherd

by Peggy Colf, Executive Assistant  |  04/26/2026  |  This Sunday's Reading

This week, we hear in the readings that Peter is asking the people to turn away from a life of sin and to be baptized and start a new life by accepting Jesus and His teachings. They are told to endure their hardships without complaining but know that God is with them. Like the people of Peter’s time, we are called to have the same patience and trust in God’s plan for us. How many times have you suffered without complaining? Look around, and you would be surprised how many people that you encounter daily that you wouldn’t know were suffering in constant pain because they offer it up instead of complaining. Then, of course, you do have those who let you know every ache and pain they feel, and they make sure everyone knows. When we offer up our sufferings in silence to God, we sometimes forget about our pain and can function through the day.

Our aches and pains should not stop us from attending Mass, just don’t judge those that might not genuflect, might not kneel or even stand when everyone else does, because you just don’t know what pain that person might be enduring just to attend Mass. I learned years ago from my own Mother that if you were too sick or hurting too much to attend Mass on a Sunday, then you were too sick and hurt to go out of the house to visit with family or friends. Needless to say, my brothers and I rarely missed Sunday Mass. We also hear this week that Jesus is referred to as the Good Shepherd, and like a good shepherd, he cares for his sheep. He knows, loves, and cares for us so much that he was willing to lay down His life for us. We can trust Him to guide and protect us every day so that we can find peace and direction in our lives. The Church is the flock of sheep that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, protects, but we also need to help each other stay on the right path. We help each other by praying for each other, offering encouragement, and sharing our own faith experiences. Believing in the hope of eternal life is a promise that we will be with Jesus forever and this should give us strength and courage to face our challenges. Our ultimate goal is to be with Christ in heaven. In order to reach that goal, we need to be baptized in a new life in Christ and to constantly be repenting for our sins through the Sacrament of Confession. This week take the time on your own to read what you heard at Mass and decide for yourself if you are really following in the ways of Jesus or if you are following the ways of someone who claims to believe in what Jesus promises while they live in the here and now. Material things will not get us to heaven, but our faith, prayers, and beliefs will. Make sure you follow the Good Shepherd in all that you do.