St Pauls Parish Newsletter 11 May 2025
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
‘Good Shepherd Sunday,’ as this Sunday in the liturgical year has become known, can be shadowed in sentimentality. The image of a man standing in the midst of a flock of sheep, holding his staff, gazing contentedly around is a common theme in sacred art. It is comforting, yet rather passive.
The statements that Jesus makes in this brief gospel passage are anything but passive: “My sheep hear … I know them ….they follow me ….I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one can take … My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all…(vv. 27-29) Note: emphasis added). This does not conjure an image of country life. In fact, in the verses just before this we see that these statements are a response Jesus gives the religious leaders when they say to him, “if you are the Messiah, tell us plainly” (John 10:24). At the same time there is a forcefulness and an intimacy in this passage. “The Father and I are one” (v. 30). Not only does Jesus say that we are his, but the Father has given us to him and it is with the Father’s hand that we are protected.
Jesus demonstrates a real possessiveness, not in a negative way, but rather in a relational way: “I am not going to let you go”! In my relationship with the Father, you belong to me, to us! Therefore, you be possessive with those who I have given you. You stay faithful, you forgive, you go after the one who has wandered off!”
CELEBRATIONS
Wednesday 14th May St Matthias
PARISH DIARY FOR THE COMING WEEK
Sunday 11th May NO Refreshments after 10am Mass 1pm SVP Easter Tea
Tuesday 13th May Refreshments after 9:30am Mass Church Cleaning 7:30pm ABC Group
Wednesday 14th May 10:30am Short Walks
Friday 16th May 10am ASCENT Group
Saturday 17th May 3pm Confirmation Group
Sunday 18th May NO Refreshments after 10am Mass Thanksgiving Mass + Party for FHC