GABAY

The Good Shepherd

4th Sunday of Easter
May 12, 2019

I. OPENING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we continue to celebrate the joy of Easter.
Thank you for this special time with our neighbors where
we never fail to experience your love and inspiration. We
offer you our faith and devotion as we pray for the grace
to always listen and heed your voice.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that as we reflect on the

Gospel for Sunday, we may learn to be more like you and
be good shepherds ourselves to all you have entrusted to
our care. We pray that you make shepherds out of your
sheep, Lord Jesus.

II. BIBLE SHARING

A. INTRODUCTION TO SESSION

B. GOSPEL READING: John 10:27-30

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they

follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and
they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck
them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them
me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck
them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are
one.
C. GOSPEL COMMENTARY

The 4th Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepherd

Sunday. Each year on this Sunday, we reflect on the
image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

In tonight’s Gospel, Jesus makes it very clear that “My

sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they
follow me.”

These words speak to us of a close and enduring

relationship with Jesus who knows and cares for each
one of us intimately. He loves us as we are, with all
our frailties and limitations. As his sheep, we return
his love by keeping his word and following him,
trusting that no matter how difficult, tortuous or long
the pathways of our life may be, our Shepherd is with
us and his rod and staff will guide and protect us.

Jesus also said that “ I give them eternal life; they

will never be lost.” He brings us to his sheepfold
through the gifts of Baptism, Confirmation, the
Eucharist, Holy Mass, Scripture, and Mother Church.
When we go astray, our Shepherd looks for us and
heals the wounds of our souls in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.

Let us not forget the special blessing we have

received in our parish – the gift of OLBL Church as a
Holy Door for one full year! Plenary Indulgences for
ourselves and all our loved ones in purgatory. We
have a whole year to bring all our dearly departed to
be with the Good Shepherd earlier.
 How much more help to the path of righteousness
can we ask for? How much more love can we
receive? Truly there is no God who is so close to his
people as our God. Blessed be God! Alleluia!

The whole chapter of John 10 is about the Good

Shepherd. In John 10:16, Jesus talks about having
other sheep that do not belong to his fold, but these
also He must lead so that there will be one fold, one
Shepherd. From this we know we need to become
good shepherds too so we can help bring others to
the fold. We should seriously care for those
entrusted to us and be good spiritual leaders in our
homes, workplaces and community. As parents
specially, we must be mindful of our duties as
shepherds, aware that we are responsible for the
souls of our children.

Let us walk with our Shepherd at all times so that his

goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our
life and we dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

D. WORD SHARING

1. NORMS
After a brief pause for silent reflection, share your
ideas or feelings. As much as possible, everybody
takes turn in sharing while the rest listen
attentively.
Please observe the following: LIPJASS
L ISTEN when someone is speaking
Do not I NTERRUPT
Do not P REACH
Do not J UDGE
 Do not A DVISE
Keep it S HORT
and S ECRET – Remember to keep
confidential what was shared

REMINDER: Please share in the First Person. Use “I.”

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS

a. Are you a true follower of Jesus, heeding His

voice and ready to obey him at all costs?
Does your prayer life lead you to become
more attuned to God and His will, at every
moment of the day, in every circumstance of
your life?
b. Consider your role as shepherd. Do you
lead by example? Are you a role model to
your children, your kasambahays and
drivers, your peers and employees? Do you
care for them as Jesus cares for you?

E. RESPONDING TO THE WORD OF GOD

1. PERSONAL ACTION

2. GROUP ACTION

F. SUMMARY by Leader

III. CLOSING PRAYER

Let us end our reflection by praying Psalm 23 with all our
hearts.
 Thank you Lord Jesus that you are my Shepherd and there
is nothing I shall want. You make me lie down in green
pastures, you lead me beside quiet waters, you refresh my
soul.

You guide me along the right paths for your name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear
no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they
comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my

enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days
of my life, and I will dwell in your house forever.

Amen and Amen.

IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS

V. FEEDBACK

VI. FELLOWSHIP