The Fourth Sunday of Easter

My Dear Parishioners,
 
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is the observance we keep as we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day. The image of the shepherd and the sheep is prominent in today’s Liturgy of the Word, being found in the Responsorial Psalm, the second lection from the Book of Revelation, the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel lection from Saint John. Each year this pastoral theme is presented before us for our prayerful reflection as we rejoice in Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep.
 
We can see why this Fourth Sunday of Easter is also designated as WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS. The Scriptural texts for this Sunday provide us with wonderful insights regarding vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We find in them the qualities and charisms which must define those who minister in the Church as their primary occupation. The Good Shepherd continually calls men and women to work in His vineyard. Unfortunately, not all who receive this divine call respond positively. Some are distracted by the cares and concerns of this life, others refuse to give selflessly and there are many other obstacles which prevent one from saying YES LORD, SEND ME!
 
The Lord Jesus told us that we must pray so that there would be full-time workers in the vineyard of the Lord, “Then He said to his disciples,’ the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37) We are doing exactly that this weekend throughout the Universal Church, PRAYING FOR LABORERS. This is what we must do first and foremost. But in addition to this we must also talk about vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our families.
 
Parents should encourage their sons and daughters to consider a vocation in religion. I remember how proud my mom and dad were the day I told them I wanted to be a priest. From that day on they supported me and assured me of their love. A life in total service to the Lord as a priest, religious sister or religious brother is not easy. The demands that the Lord places upon His chosen ones can be at times heavy but He is always present with love and assistance. After 41 years of service as a priest I can say without hesitation, I WOULD DO IT ALL AGAIN!
 
Next month is “ordination month” in the Diocese of Paterson. On Saturday, May 14th a class of seminarians will be ordained transitional deacons and on Saturday, May 28th, those serving now as transitional deacons will be ordained priests. Among them will be Deacon Slawek who has been with us since last June. Deacon Slawek’s first Mass will be on Sunday, May 29th at 12:15 p.m. I share this information with you now so that you can mark your calendar and be present for his first Mass and the reception which will follow in Hayes Hall to which all are invited.
 
Our young priests, religious sisters and brothers are signs of great hope for us. They are the gifts which have been given to us by the Lord in response to our prayers. I challenge you, mom and dad, encourage one of your own to join those whom the Lord calls to shepherd His people!
 
Christ Is Risen!
Fr. Zig