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 4th Sunday of Easter, Year A (Good Shepherd Sunday): Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Shepherds After the Example of Christ

Readings: Acts 2:14a,36-41; 1 Pet. 2:20b-25; Jn. 10:1-10 

Dear friends in Christ, today, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday—also known as Vocations Sunday. In the readings, the Church presents to us the image of Christ the Good Shepherd, the perfect model of true leadership. Jesus is the Shepherd of our lives: He knows each of us by name, protects us from the evil one, and lays down His life for our salvation. In the second reading, St Peter reminds us that Christ, the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, has given us an example to follow through His love and sacrifice on the cross.

Therefore, the Church invites us to turn our minds to Christ and learn from Him the qualities of authentic leadership—whether in the family, in the Church, or in society. True shepherds care for those entrusted to them, protect them from harm, provide for their material, moral, and spiritual needs, and build relationships of love and trust.

Today, the Church also calls us to pray for vocations. Our prayers should not be limited to priestly and religious vocations; we must also pray for genuine vocations to family life and to every form of service that promotes the good of humanity.

This invitation to rediscover the qualities of true leadership is crucial because we live in a world where many leaders have forgotten—or misunderstood—the meaning of shepherding. Too often, leaders feed on the people instead of caring for them. We see thieves and looters in government and other sectors of society. We see family leaders who no longer take the spiritual and moral formation of their children seriously. We see Church leaders who have lost touch with Christ’s pattern of leadership.

A teacher once told his young students that he was their shepherd and they were his flock. He then asked them what a shepherd does for his flock. One child innocently replied, “The shepherd kills his sheep whenever there is a feast.” This simple answer reveals how distorted the concept of shepherding has become in our world.

In the Old Testament, to be a leader, king, or ruler meant to be a shepherd. Psalm 23, which we read today, beautifully depicts God as our Shepherd. Moses acted as a shepherd when he led Israel out of slavery: he fought for them, provided for them, and constantly sought their good. Many judges and kings followed this example, seeing themselves as servants. But over time, the idea of servant-leadership disappeared and was replaced by the mentality of rulers as lords. Leadership became a master–slave relationship. For this reason, God pronounced woes against the leaders of Israel through the prophets Jeremiah (23:1–8) and Ezekiel (34:1–15).

Today’s Gospel is Christ’s effort to restore the true meaning of leadership. A leader must be a shepherd—not one who destroys the flock, but one who cares for them and builds a relationship of love and trust. Jesus highlights several qualities of a true shepherd.

First, the shepherd enters through the gate, not by climbing over the fence. This means a true leader must be a person of integrity, openness, and transparency. Only someone with something to hide enters secretly.

Second, the sheep hear the shepherd’s voice and follow him because they trust him. Trust is essential in leadership. If the shepherd’s voice sometimes sounds like that of a wolf, the sheep will not follow. Leaders must earn trust through honesty and consistency. Parents must also earn the trust of their children; without trust, children will not listen to their guidance.

Third, the good shepherd calls his sheep by name. This implies closeness. A leader who is close to his people understands their struggles and knows how to make a positive impact. Parents who stay close to their children contribute meaningfully to their growth and wellbeing.

Fourth, the good shepherd leads his flock and goes before them. He guides them to green pastures and protects them from danger. A good leader seeks the well-being of those entrusted to him—materially, morally, and spiritually. He watches over them so that no harm comes to them. Like Christ, every leader should act as a door that protects the people under his care. If people cannot feel safe with their leader, that leader has failed in his primary duty.

Finally, like Christ, a true leader gives life to those under his care—and gives it abundantly. He provides for their needs, even at personal cost. Sacrifice is the mark of good leadership and good parenting. Parents must remember that their children’s needs are not only material; their spiritual and moral needs must also be nurtured.

In the second reading, St Peter refers to Christ as the Good Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, who suffered for His flock and left us an example to follow. In the first reading, we see Peter acting as a good shepherd by preaching the Good News to the lost sheep of Israel, correcting their errors, and leading them back to the sheepfold through baptism.

As we celebrate this Mass, let us pray for the grace to be true shepherds in our various roles—in the Church, in our families, and in society. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to learn from Christ the qualities of a good leader.

Peace be with you, and have a blessed Sunday.

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima