Fourth Sunday of Easter
This past Thursday during his first address upon the papal balcony, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV recalled the “feeble yet always courageous” voice of his predecessor, Pope Francis, that blessed the Church of Rome and the world. Our new Pontiff’s voice, stronger yet clearly moved with emotion, reminded us that we are loved, that evil will not prevail, and that we are all in God’s hands.
These men and the countless faithful through them have all heard the voice of Jesus who today tells us, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.”
Today let us pray in thanksgiving to God who gives us life through Jesus. Let us pray for the Church and for all her shepherds, especially our new Holy Father. Let us pray also for all those longing to hear a comforting word, longing to find some security in the midst of hostility. May they hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and know themselves to be in the security of his hands.