Dear Friends in the Risen Lord,

This particular Sunday in the Easter season is called "Good Shepherd" Sunday. Jesus tells us, "I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jesus has given His life for all humanity so that we might experience His life in this world and in the world to come.

In the "Letter of Saint John," we are told, "See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God." This love of the Father is the very gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of God’s gift to us, "Beloved, we are God's children now, what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." How truly amazing, we will be live Jesus with God for all eternity!

The way to truly live as though we are God's children will require a response to God's grace on our part. Like St. Peter from the Acts of the Apostles, who was "filled with the Holy Spirit," we too will be able to do great things for God when we are convinced about the power of God at work in our lives.

Therefore, my friends, I implore you to understand and to accept the legacy of your faith. Live your faith with enthusiasm as though you just discovered it. Be excited about being one of God's precious children. Do not let the troubles of the day overshadow the eternal inheritance that you have received from God. Such a way of life requires a willingness to put thought and action into daily practice. Such a way of life requires being open to receive the help that God is constantly offering us through the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. Such a way of life is able to overcome everything that this world can throw at us. Such a way of life is truly living the victory that is already ours because of Christ.

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep."

Please pray with me for the grace, willingness, and openness to follow the "good shepherd" in word and in deed. Jesus will never lead anyone of us astray. As always any other alternative will just not do!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. James Tarantino,
Pastor