Liturgy of the Word — Acts 2:14, 36-41; Ps. 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6; 1 Pt. 2:20-25; Jn. 10:1-10.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations: This event publicly fulfills the Lord’s instruction to “pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:38; Lk. 19:2). When we pray for vocations, we affirm the primacy of faith and grace in vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. Let us pray today for more young men and women to hear and respond generously to God’s call.

1st Reading, Acts 2:14, 36-41. It is Pentecost. As Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit descends like tongues of fire that rest upon the Apostles. They begin to speak in different tongues. People say that they are drunk (vv. 1-13). Then Peter, previously fearful but now filled with the Holy Spirit, bravely and boldly proclaims: “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified” (v. 36).

Disturbed by his words, the crowd ask Peter what they should do. Peter tells them to repent and to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” About 3,000 are baptized (vv. 37-41).

Resp Ps. 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6. “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along the right paths for the sake of his name” (vv. 1-3). “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff comfort me” (v. 4).

“You set a table before me in front of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for endless days” (vv. 5-6).

2nd Reading, 1 Pt. 2: 20-25. “If you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God…. because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow.” (vv. 20-21). He had no sin and no deceit. He returned no insult and did not threaten. “Instead, he handed himself over to the judge and bore our sins on the cross, so that we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (vv. 22-24).

“You have strayed like sheep, but you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls” (v. 25).

We suffer to follow the example of Christ. Even if he did not sin, he suffered on the cross that we might become righteous. Like sheep we have strayed but we have returned to the shepherd.

Gospel, Jn. 10:1-10. The Good Shepherd. He who enters the sheepfold by climbing over the fence is a thief. He who enters through the gate is the shepherd. “The sheep hear his voice, as he calls them by name and leads them out” (vv. 1-3). “He walks ahead of them; the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” His is not a stranger’s voice which they would not follow (vv. 4-5).

Because the disciples do not understand his figure of speech, Jesus says again, “I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them” (vv. 6-8). “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me shall be saved, and will come in and find pasture” (v. 9). “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (v. 10).

The Readings today, especially the Responsorial Psalm and the Gospel, are the reason why this Sunday is called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His flock (us) by name. He walks ahead of us and we follow Him. He suffers for us and gives up His life on the cross. As we share in His suffering, He opens the gate for us, giving us more abundant life — the fullness of life with Him.

Prayer: Almighty ever-living God, lead us to share in the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before us, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.