Dear Friends in Christ,

On this "Good Shepherd" Sunday, God is inviting all believers to evaluate how well they listen and follow the Lord. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us "The Father and I are one." As the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one in a Divine union of Love, so too God invites us to be in close union with Christ and one another. Such closeness requires a willingness to hear the voice of the Lord and to respond to that voice by following Him. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me." Through our adherence to following Jesus, we are told that we will be given "eternal life."

As it was difficult to follow the Lord in the early days of the Church, it is also difficult in these times. Every age has its unique challenges. However, the writer of the Book of Revelation informs us that perseverance in following Christ will give way to the great blessings of eternal life.

Therefore, do not be discouraged or lose hope. God knows all the difficulties we face in striving to do His Will. God promises to give us the grace that we need to stay faithful. In speaking to the converts of the early Church, Paul and Barnabas, "urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God." I encourage you to do the same. Pray for the grace to be strong in these complicated and difficult times. If you keep your eyes focused on the Lord, it will be easier. When you stand up for your faith, you do not stand alone. The resurrected Christ stands with you. The power of Christ will embolden you. The love of Christ will impel you to be His best representative.

Consequently, I enjoin you to allow yourself to be "filled with joy and the Holy Spirit." "For the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth."

For, "We are his people, the sheep of his flock." Let us "Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song. Know that the Lord is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. The Lord is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations."

Please pray with me for the grace and the willingness to follow the Lord in all that you say and in all that you do.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Tarantino
Pastor