The 4^th Sunday of Easter is called Good Shepherd Sunday – the Gospel reading is always about the Good Shepherd. It has been an opportunity for priests to speak about their own vocations. My story is very boring. I wanted to be a priest since 2^nd grade, went the usual route through all the stages of seminary life in due order and without any real doubt. I was ordained and have been a priest for over 40 years. I have been very happy; indeed, I think happier than I would have been doing anything else. No drama, no trauma, and no real hook for the homily until we look at the full meaning of today’s Gospel. Here, there is certainly drama, and if I hook you in, perhaps some trauma.

It begins after the story of the Man born blind that we read this Lent.  The leaders, shepherds, of the people did not behave well. Rather than being open to the experience of Jesus, they ejected the formerly blind man from the synagogue and sought to persecute Jesus. Jesus was not intimidated and told them “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.”(Jn 9:9) Continue reading “Good Shepherd Sunday – May 3, 2020 – Homily (Fr. Smith)” →