The Fourth Sunday of Easter is called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The Gospel is always from Jn. 10:1-10, although some scripture scholars extend the discourse up to verse 18, The Good Shepherd’s Discourse. Jesus uses two common shepherding images: the “sheep gate” and the “shepherd.” Through these, He alludes to Himself. The “Shepherd” image is easy to understand. Like a good shepherd, Jesus protects, nourishes, guides, and leads His flock to the green pasture.

Two disciples (one of them is Cleopas, the brother of Joseph, the husband of Mary) were on their way to Emmaus when Jesus joined them and explained everything that had happened and how the Scriptures contained all these truths about the Messiah, Jesus. Feeling they needed to know more and the evening was setting in, they asked Him to stay with them; Jesus responded by giving them a great gift: the Eucharist, by which they could enter into a deeper relationship and, at the same time, be more present with them.

Dearest Parishioners,

As we approach the dedication of our new church, on the evening of May 13th, 2026, the Parish development council will be making available to all parishioners a souvenir program for the dedication event.

In a homily at the Cathedral of Hippo, St. Augustine said: You are an Easter people, and Alleluia is your song.

Over a year into our New Church construction and now nearing completion, I joyfully greet you: A Blessed Easter, Alleluia! As we mark this milestone, let us be Easter people - celebrating this achievement and witnessing to Christ. May joy and hope continue to grow in our community, bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Today begins the most solemn week in all of Christendom: Holy Week. This year’s Holy Week will likely be one of the most memorable of all the Holy Week celebrations in my twenty-six years as a priest. We have journeyed for forty days through this season of Lent, and as we have moved through it, we have intensified our prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.

During my 30-day Ignatian retreat, my spiritual director asked if I had ever brought my anger into prayer. For nearly twenty years, I struggled with anger. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal to throw at someone; you get burned first. The teacher who belittled me never knew the depth of my trauma. For years, I withheld forgiveness. I became an angry child and, later, an angry adult, entombed in hatred and vowing never to be put down again. Anger became my defense against threats.

The first reading narrates Israel's experience during their exodus from Egypt. While they were on their journey, they complained of a lack of water and food and blamed Moses, reminiscing about their better days in Egypt. This scene parallels the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John. She comes to draw water at the well, but her physical thirst symbolizes a deeper spiritual thirst. Like Israel, she has searched for satisfaction in places that ultimately leave her empty. Jesus reveals that He alone can give "living water" that becomes a spring within, welling up to eternal life.

The Transfiguration of Jesus is both a revelation and a reassurance. On the high mountain - traditionally identified as Mount Tabor - Jesus Christ revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This moment came immediately after Jesus foretold His Passion. The disciples were confused and afraid. The Transfiguration was heaven's reassurance: the suffering to come was not defeat but fulfillment.