💖 HOMILY - MAY 12 💖

First Reading - Acts 11:1-18

Gospel - John 10:11-18

A true leader is one who leads with care, guides with wisdom, and protects with courage. This is the portrait we receive of Jesus today—the Good Shepherd who unites all people, protects his flock, and leads them into eternal life. The readings draw a powerful image of Christ’s shepherding love, which breaks barriers, embraces all, and assures us of our final destiny with him.

In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue, and many people—including devout converts—are drawn to the message of salvation. But not everyone is happy. The rejection by some Jewish leaders contrasts with the openness of the Gentiles. Paul boldly declares that the Good News is for all people. This moment mirrors the earlier event of Peter with Cornelius: the Holy Spirit is not restricted by human boundaries or prejudices. The Shepherd’s call is universal. God’s flock is open to every heart that seeks him. The Church, from her earliest days, was led to understand that membership in Christ’s body is not exclusive, but expansive—meant for all nations and people who listen to his voice.

The second reading from the Book of Revelation gives us a vision of the fulfillment of that Shepherd’s work. A multitude too great to count stands before God, clothed in white robes, washed in the blood of the Lamb. These are the ones who have followed the Shepherd through trials and tribulations. Now, the Lamb becomes their Shepherd, leading them to springs of living water. Every tear is wiped away. This is the promise that keeps us moving forward: that our suffering is not in vain, and that we are never alone. Christ leads us gently, even through suffering, into peace and joy.

In the Gospel, Jesus offers a deeply intimate description of his relationship with his followers. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life.” He is not a distant leader. He is a Shepherd who walks closely with us, who knows us by name, and whose voice we recognize in the depths of our hearts. And he gives us the most precious gift—eternal life. No one can take us out of his hand. Our journey may be difficult, but we are secure in the arms of the Shepherd who has conquered death itself.

Dear friends, the Shepherd is calling us to follow. His flock is not marked by ethnicity, status, or merit—it is marked by faith and trust in him. Just as the Jews in the first reading had to open their hearts to see God's broader plan, we too must open our hearts to see the Church as a home for all peoples. Our task is to welcome others, guide the lost, and stand firm in the voice of Christ.

And let us not forget: we are the sheep—often fragile, sometimes stubborn, easily misled. But we have a Shepherd who never gives up on us. He guards us, guides us, and leads us to eternal life. Let us listen for his voice—in the Word, in prayer, in the Sacraments, and in the Church—and follow him with trust.

May we remain ever close to the Good Shepherd who knows us, walks with us, and leads us to life everlasting.