Fourth Sunday of Easter | Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Easter | By Resurrection Catholic Church | I'm here from your youth ministry Our celebrant is father Nixon. Yay. He's back from his trip. Please silence your cellphones and any other electronic devices now. The second collection today is for the Haiti Ministry. And the social committee invites everyone after mass to enjoy a cookie and converse with their fellow parishioners. We now invite you to quietly prepare for mass. Jesus walked holding them to his of the here is your beneath in his In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God. And the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen Brothers and sisters, let us now acknowledge our sins. And so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you have given us the consolation of the truth. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you are the good shepherd. Leading us into everlasting life. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. May almighty God, have mercy on us. Forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. Glory to god earth peace to people of goodwill everything came lord our god lord Let us pray. Almighty ever living God. Lead us to a share in the joys of heaven. So that the humble flock may reach. Where the brave shepherd has gone before. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever. Amen A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, Leaders of the people and the elders. If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was the name of Christ Jesus, the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom god raised from the dead. In his name, this man stands before you healed. He is stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven, given to the human race, by which we are to be saved. The word of the lord. Thanks be to god. The words to the Psalm today are the stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. The stone rejected by the build has become the corner I speak give praise to the lord for he is good his mercy endures forever it is better to take refuge in the lord than to trust in man it is better to take refuge in the lord to trust in princess rejected by as we go I will thank you for you have answer and you are my savior the stone that the builders rejected eyes become the cornerstone by the lord has this been done a marvelous the stone rejected as we go blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord bless you from the house of the I will thank you for you have answered my savior give praise to the lord for he is good doors forever the stone rejected by the the A reading from the first letter of Saint John. Beloved, see what love the father has bestowed on us. So that we may be called children of god Yet, so we are. The reason the world does not know us is because it does not know him. Beloved, we are god's children now. Amen. What we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed, we shall be like him. For we shall see him as he is. The word of the lord. I am the good shepherd says the lord I know my sheep and mine know me The Lord be with you. And with the spirit. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John. Jesus said, I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hard man who is not a shepherd. And whose sheep are not his own. Sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away. And the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay. And has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. And I know mine and my know me. Just as the father knows me. And I know the Father. And I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. This also I must lead. And they will hear my voice. And there will be one flock. One shepherd. This is why the Father loves me. Because I down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me. But I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down and power to take it up again. This command, I have received from my father. The Gospel of the Lord. Lord Jesus Christ Good evening everyone. Good evening everyone. It's nice to be back again you know after that over 100 degrees for two weeks in the Philippines. You know it's very hot. Yeah. When I came back here it feels like it's winter again. But thank you very much for your prayers. No. My trip went very well and I had a good visit with my family. So thank you for all your prayers. Perhaps, you may have known very well Psalm twenty-three, you know? Cuz Psalm twenty-three is the most popular Psalm on the Good Shepherd. Jesus in our Gospel today tells us that he came precisely so that we may live with that life. Peace and happiness described in Psalm twenty-three. Part of it, I will read to you. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. Inverdant pastures, he gives me repose. Beside restful waters, he leads me. He refresh my soul. He guides me in right paths. For his name's sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil. For you are at my side, with your rod and your staff, that give me courage. As we ponder on our readings this Sunday Our hearts are drawn to the profound imagery of Jesus as the good shepherd. In this beautiful passage from the Gospel of John, we are reminded of the tender care and unwavering love that Jesus our shepherd extend to each of us. As we reflect on this imagery, we are invited to contemplate our relationship with Jesus. Just as a shepherd knows his sheep by name. And lays down his life for them. Jesus knows each of us intimately, unselfishly. Offers himself for our salvation. It's a comforting thought knowing that amidst life's uncertainties and challenges, we have a shepherd who guides, protects, and sustains us. This middle Sunday of Easter season is traditionally celebrated as Good Shepherd Sunday. We lift it up that particular image of Jesus and the way of thinking about God's care for us. We hear the deeply comforting words of Psalm twenty-three. We are reminded that Jesus not only protects us in our darkest hour. But that he freely laid down his life for us. What greater love can be imagined. Isn't it? This image of Jesus as the good shepherd is one that is well known. And so it should be. When we think of him in this image, it brings to our minds all kinds of images. Which recall the ways in which our Lord cares for us. As stated in Psalm twenty-three, God himself is depicted in lovely as the shepherd of his people. Perhaps most significantly, are the promises which God makes through his prophets that since noone else is worthy or able to assume the responsibility. He will himself come and be his people's shepherd. In his care, people will be safe. And they will be content. With this in mind, we hear Jesus claim, we cannot help, but be struck by, by the significance of it. His claim is that he's God come to his people as promised, To be their shepherd. He is the fulfiller of the long hopes of God's people. As a background why did Jesus use this image of the good shepherd? In Palestine, the shepherd brought the sheep into the sheeppole every night. It was a circular stone wall with an opening or door. Where the sheep entered. Once the sheep were inside for the night, the shepherds slept in that opening or door all night. The sheep could not get out without stepping over the shepherd's body, which meant they would not get out at all during the night. Jesus is the gate And anyone who enters through him will be saved and will go freely in and out. And be sure of finding pasture. Others steal and kill and destroy. But Jesus is the good shepherd. The church calls us to reflect on our role as sheep. In Jesus's flock. The questions we need to ask ourselves is this. Do we listen attentively to his voice? Trusting in his guidance even when the path ahead seems unclear. Do we allow ourselves to be led to the green pastures of spiritual nourishment and the still waters of his peace. Or do we wander off? Entangled in the destructions. And temptations of the world. Moreover, the image of Jesus as the good shepherd. Challenges us to consider our own role as shepherds to others. How do we extend Christ's love and compassion to those around us? Especially to those who are lost, vulnerable, or in need of care. Are we willing to emulate Jesus's sacrificial love? Laying down our lives for the sake of others. This Sunday is also known as vocation Sunday. And vocations to the priesthood and the religious life are highlighted. And there's something that we are asking of the Lord. There is something that we want of the Lord. We are asking the Lord to send more men and women. To serve in his vineyard. And especially more men. To serve as shepherds. As priests in church. Yet the fact is that many are called but few have responded. So let us ask the Lord. Let us invoke the Lord that he will open the hearts of those he has called. So that they will follow the good shepherd in laying down their lives to serve God and his people. On our part, let us pray and let us also encourage those who are discerning the call of the Lord. That may the eternal shepherd send us good shepherds who will serve with love. And lead the people of God to green pastures and peaceful waters. As well as through the valleys of darkness. And distress. In the midst of a world often fraught with division and uncertainty. The image of the good shepherd offers us hope and reassurance. It reminds us that we are never alone. That we are cherished and protected by a shepherd. Who will never abandon us. As we journey through life, let us strive to follow the voice of our shepherd. Trusting in his guidance and seeking to share his love with all whom we encounter. May Jesus Christ be praised. Amen. Amen I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begot of the father before all ages. True god from true god, begotten now, made consubstantial with the father. For our sin, for our he came around from heaven. And with the Holy Spirit, was born of the virgin our death is buried, and rose again in accordance with the scriptures. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. The Holy Spirit. Lord, hear who proceeds in the father to the father, and the sons, adored, and glorified, who has spoken to the prophets, and I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sin to his resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come, amen. Trusting in the Lord's love and care for us. Let us bring before him our prayers and petitions. Our responses, Lord, hear our prayer. For church leaders, may the Lord grant them wisdom and humility, and shepherding his flock, on the path of holiness. Let us pray to the lord. Lord, for the salvation of all people. May the Holy Spirit lead all hearts to repentance for sin and trust in god's mercy and forgiveness. We pray to the lord. Lord, hear For those who are ill, may Christ heal them in body and spirit and comfort them with his presence. Let us pray to the lord. Lord, prayer. For all members of our faith community, may the good shepherd help us to love one another as he loves us. Let us pray to the lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For those who have died with faith in the resurrection, especially Phyllis, Chauvin, and Patrick Kelly. Let us pray to the lord. Lord, hear our prayer. May the lord raise them up and welcome them into his heavenly banquet. Let us pray to the lord. Lord, hear prayer. For the faithful departed in our cemetery, may perpetual light shine upon them. Today, we remember Anita Koch and Sally Roth. Let us pray to the lord. Lord, hear our for all of our other prayers and intentions, we now pray in silence. Let us pray to the lord. Lord Heavenly Father, hear these prayers. We humbly brought before you and answer them in accordance with your divine providence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. That we are to the shepherd's where the father god strengthens us to where the shepherds where the father's red Blessed are you Lord, God of all creation. For through your goodness we have received. The wine we offer you. Fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become for us our spiritual drink. Pray now brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father. Christ For the praise and glory of all this holy church. Grant, we pray, oh Lord, that we may always find delight in this Paschal mysteries. So that the renewal constantly at work within us. Maybe the cause of our unending joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Lift up your hearts. Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. It is right and just. It is truly right and just. Our duty and our salvation. At all times to acclaim you, oh Lord. But in this time above all, to load you yet more gloriously. When Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed. He never ceases offer himself for us. But defends us and ever pleads our cause before you. He is the sacrificial victim who dies no more. The lamb once slain who lives forever. Therefore, overcome with Paschal Joy. Every land, every people exalts in your praise. And even the heavenly powers with the angelic host. Sing to God the unending hymn of your glory as they acclaim. Are indeed holy. Oh Lord the fountain. Of all holiness. Make holy therefore these gifts we pray. By sending down your spirit upon them. Like the dewfall. So that they may become for us. The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his passion. He took bread and giving thanks broke it. And gave it. To his disciples saying take this all of you and eat of it. For this is my body. Which will be given up. For you. In a similar way when supper was ended took the chalice and once more giving thanks he gave it. To his disciples saying take this all of you and drink from it. For this is the chalice of my blood. The blood of the new and eternal covenant. Which will be poured out for you and for many. For the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me. Demisery of faith. Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of his death and resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the bread of life and the chalice of salvation. Giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you. Humbly, we pray that partaking of the body and blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit. Remember Lord, your church spread throughout the world. And bring her to the fullness of charity. Together with Francis, our Pope, and Barry, our bishop, and all the clergy. Remember also our brothers and sisters, who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection. And all who have died in your mercy. Welcome them into the light of your faith. Have mercy on us all we pray. That with the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, with Blessed Joseph, her spouse, with the blessed apostles, and all the saints who have pleased you throughout the ages. We may to be co heirs to eternal life. And may praise and glorify you. Through your son, Jesus Christ. Through him and with him and in him. Oh God almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours forever and ever. At the savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say, our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily and forgive us our trespass as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray. From every evil. Graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin, and save from all distress. As we await the blessed hope, and the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, yours now and forever. Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church. And graciously grant her peace and unity. In accordance with your will, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen. The peace of the Lord. Be with you always. And with your spirit. Let us now offer each other the sign of Christ's peace. Of thorns awful behold the lamb of God. Behold him, who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. The body and blood of Christ, we turn life to us for receiving. You peacemaker and light upon shining in you preach away singing end you go unkind you lord are both trying to peacemaker and there's a place where mercy reigns and never die there's a place where streams flow deep and I've ever comes like a comes flowing down at the cross at the cross I life I've been washed white I hold all to you Jesus there's a place where sinner and where my heart has peace with god and forgiveness I've ever comes like a flood comes flowing at the cross I surrender my life I and my sin washed white aisle wall to you all to you my hope is found here on holy ground here down here arms open wide here you say my life here down here I surrender my and my sin washed white I belong to you I owe all to you at the cross at the cross I surrender my life and my sin washed white I owe to you I owe to you Jesus. May now ask those who give communion to the sick and the homebound to please come forward for the blessing. My dear sisters, as you go to the sick and the homebound, take with you not only the sacrament we have celebrated, but also the word of God, which we have heard, as well as the affection of this parish community. As for the prayers of those whom you visit in return, and go now with God's peace and blessing. In this month of April, I am very pleased to announce that we have several newly registered parishioners. If I read your name and you are here, please stand to be recognized. William and Susan Parch, actually they were here yesterday, you know, but I just called their name just in case, yes. Second, couple is Kurt and Lisa Hoffman. So maybe they will be coming next weekend so. but thank you. Welcome to them. So and also ah if we have any visitors this evening may I ask you to please stand? Visitors. Yes, we have a couple at the back of the church. So, yes, let's give them a round of applause. So we have three visitors this evening. Welcome to Resurrection Catholic Church. Thank you very much for praying with us this evening and we hope you enjoyed your visit in the area and if you are traveling, we pray that may the Lord will give you a safe journey back to your destination. Thank you very much. God bless. Please stand for the concluding prayer. Let us pray. Look upon your flock, kind shepherd. And be pleased to settle in eternal pastures. The sheep you have redeemed by the precious blood of your son. Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Bow down for the blessing. May God, who by the resurrection of his only begotten son, was pleased to confer on you, the gift of redemption, and, and of adoption, give you gladness by his blessing. Amen. Amen. May he, by whose redeeming work, you have received the gift of everlasting freedom. Make you heirs to an eternal inheritance. Amen. And may you, who have already risen with Christ, in baptism through faith. By living in in a right manner on this earth. Be united with him in the homeland of heaven. Amen. And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you and remain with you forever. Amen. Our celebration has been offered, go forth in peace. Thanks be to God. Read your promises and you're coming in you are sure you are holding you're my savior would you be your confidence baby so we fall away us we walk along piece of paper never