The abiding presence of God through the Holy Spirit is the most recurring theme of the scriptural readings, as we draw closer to the end of the Eastertide that culminates with the feasts of Ascension and Pentecost. Indeed, the readings this Sunday are all about the abiding love of God through his Spirit of love.
The Christian life and spirituality could be summarized in the dying wish of Jesus Christ for us to love one another as he (Christ) has loved us. Hence, the most fundamental guiding principle, philosophy, theology or spirituality of the Christian life is the call to love God and others not like ourselves but like Jesus did and commanded us to do.
One thing that is obvious celebrating the good shepherd Sunday is that the imagery of the Christ the Good Shepherd implies the image of loyal and good sheep. Traditionally, the fourth Sunday after Easter is called the Good Shepherd Sunday and it is also the “World Day of Prayer for Vocations. When we pray priestly for and religious vocations, as well as for martial life since the good shepherd role is also in the family.
The power of the Risen Christ through the Holy Spirit is Peter’s transformation to stand for and with Christ our Saviour and Lord. Hence, the person and personality of Peter is a very interesting point to reflect upon this Easter time. This is because in him we see the resurrection power a work, changing and transforming everything about him.