Each year, on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, we are presented with the image of the Good Shepherd. It is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Church then invites us to fix our gaze on the risen Christ, and to rediscover our own baptismal vocation: that of a people of priests, prophets, and kings.
“The Lamb who is in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to the springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev 7:16–17)
A vocation for all: priest, prophet, and king
Baptism does not only make us members of the Church: it consecrates us to God, and sends us into the world.
- As priests, we are called to give God the homage that is due to him, to live as a spiritual offering.
- As prophets, we have the responsibility to be witnesses of the Good News and to bring the Gospel to those around us.
- And as children of the Living God, we have a mission of service to carry out: to share our talents and riches with our brothers and sisters, in the example of Jesus who came not to be served but to serve.
This triple dignity is not reserved to an elite. It concerns every baptized person, whatever their social condition, profession, or role in the Church.
The Good Shepherd, face of the glorious Christ
Today’s Gospel is short, but rich in spiritual meaning. Jesus says: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (Jn 10:27)
He is not speaking of an anonymous flock, but of a personal, intimate relationship. The Good Shepherd knows each one by name; he calls them, leads them, protects them, and gives his life for them.
Following Jesus is not a theory: it is to hear his voice in our hearts, and to trust him each day.
Praying for vocations, engaging in our own vocation
This Sunday is also an occasion to pray for religious, priestly, and missionary vocations. But this prayer cannot be separated from a personal call to responsibility: to welcome our own Christian vocation, and to encourage others to do the same.
Today, our Church needs courageous witnesses, living Christians, capable of loving, serving, and carrying the light of the Risen One into the most ordinary places of life.
Prayer of the Day
Lord Jesus,
Good Shepherd,
you know each of us and call us by name.
Make us a people of priests, prophets, and kings,
united in your love.
Raise up vocations in your Church,
and strengthen in each of us the desire to serve and to witness.
May we be faithful to your voice,
and may your joy lead us to the springs of life.
Amen.
Scripture References
- Acts 13:14, 43–52
- Revelation 7:9, 14b–17
- John 10:27–30
Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John
At that time,
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life,
and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me,
is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
To read the daily readings, visit Vatican News – May 11, 2025.
For meditation:
- Am I aware that my baptismal life makes me priest, prophet, and king?
- Do I really listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd in prayer, the Word, and in daily events?
- Do I encourage and support vocations around me?
Comments are closed.