GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY is the Fourth Sunday of Easter in the Catholic liturgical calendar. The name derives from the Gospel readings on this day which are taken from the 10th chapter of John. In this reading Christ is described as the Good Shepherd who, by dying on the Cross, lays down His life for his sheep.
In recent times the feast day has also become known as VOCATIONS SUNDAY, a day on which prayers are said for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This year the theme ‘Vocations: Witness to the Truth’.
In his message for Vocations Sunday Pope Francis says: “A vocation is a fruit that ripens in a well cultivated field of mutual love that becomes mutual service, in the context of an authentic ecclesial life. No vocation is born of itself or lives for itself. A vocation flows from the heart of God and blossoms in the good soil of faithful people, in the experience of fraternal love. Did not Jesus say: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn. 13:35)?”
In this year’s message, The Holy Father calls for heroes who will go into the great harvest where many people are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ‘And the harvest will be plentiful’.
This year the feast also falls on MOTHER'S DAY.
The images I present here are all by the Palestinian Christian artist, ZAKI BABOUN, who was born in Bethlehem (where he still lives) in 1962. I could not find much else about him, but know he is very active in organizations which promote peace. Bethlehem is a town well-known for shepherds who came from there and obviously a subject dear to his heart. And a town we often associate with peace. I love this artist's vivid colors, which to me convey joy, and there is a serenity to his art which speaks of peace and gentle care. Gifts we all could use.
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