The Dictate of the Heart: 4th Sunday of Easter, Year A

From last Sunday until Friday, I was invited to facilitate a canonical retreat for a group of 36 professed religious brothers from India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia—held at Tabor Hill Retreat House in Cebu. It was a memorable experience to listen to their vocation stories and how they have endured and overcome trials along the way. Their gratitude and generosity in cherishing God’s gift of vocation were deeply moving. The retreat was especially meaningful as it coincided with the celebration of Vocation Sunday in the Philippines. I felt great joy journeying with them, even for just five days—humble men willing to sacrifice out of love for God.

The 4th Sunday of Easter is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” also celebrated as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles recounts the missionary work of Paul and Barnabas, who dedicated their lives to preaching to both Jews and Gentiles. The early followers of Jesus grew in faith and number as they listened to Peter’s call to turn away from sin, and many received baptism—“three thousand persons were added that day” (v. 41).

The second reading, from the First Letter of Peter, exhorts Christians to remain steadfast even in suffering, reminding us that we have been healed by the wounds of Christ.

Each year, the gospel for this Sunday is taken from John and centers on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. What insights can help us understand this image more deeply?

First, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice.” In today’s world, it can be difficult to discern His voice amid the many competing voices around us—voices that promise security, freedom, comfort, and success. These voices often offer quick solutions to life’s problems, relationships, and ambitions, now amplified through technology such as artificial intelligence and digital media. It is striking how much the quality of our lives depends on which voices we choose to follow.

At times, our lives fall into turmoil because we listen to the wrong voices, follow misguided leaders, or embrace distorted ideologies. Some may claim to echo the voice of Christ, yet act as pretenders, seeking not our good but their own gain. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the one we must listen to. His voice leads us toward Him; any path that does not lead to Christ ultimately leads us away from Him. We must learn to recognize His voice and respond faithfully. Do we truly listen to Him? Do we follow what He asks of us?

Second, the gospel highlights the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep a bond rooted in familiarity and trust. Sheep recognize their shepherd and refuse to follow strangers.

Christian leadership requires a well-grounded character and a deep relationship with Christ. Those who lead are known by their fidelity to Him. They recognize that Jesus is the gate and that an authentic relationship with Him is the foundation of their ministry.

At the same time, true shepherds know their flock, and the flock knows them. Christian leaders are called to imitate Christ, the Good Shepherd, by being faithful to Him and genuinely caring for the community they serve.

With Christ as our Good Shepherd—one who sincerely seeks the welfare of His flock—we have every reason to rejoice. We are blessed to belong to His sheepfold, the Church, and to be guided by the Son of God, who leads us to eternal life.

Yet this also raises a question: Do we live up to our vocation?

Today, more than ever, we need good shepherds modeled after Jesus Christ. Some may think that shepherds or priests are no longer necessary, but this is a misunderstanding. The role of the shepherd is not merely a profession; it is love in action. It remains an essential and life-giving presence within the Christian community.

Please pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Fr. Arlon, OSA