Homily for 4th Sunday of Easter

With the joyful announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV, our hearts, which had been marked by mourning, now turn to gratitude and hope. We give thanks once more for God’s providence in providing a new shepherd for the Church, and we unite our prayers for Pope Leo, assuring him of our love and support as he begins his ministry as the 268th successor of St Peter (cf. CCC 880–882).

The last pope to bear that name, Leo XIII, reigned for 25 years and was known for his wisdom and his social teaching, particularly Rerum Novarum, which still guides the Church’s teaching on human dignity and the rights of workers (cf. CCC 2420–2425). Now, at 69 years of age, Leo XIV begins his pontificate. We can expect—God willing—a long and fruitful one. And just like with parents, priests, and bishops, there will be moments we rejoice in his leadership, and others where we might not fully understand. But we must remember: though elected by men, the Pope is entrusted with representing Jesus, and so we are called to remain open to his guidance (CCC 882: “The Pope… is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful”).

That said, amid all the excitement around the papacy, let us not forget who our true Good Shepherd is. It is Jesus Christ, and only Jesus. This Fourth Sunday of Easter—Good Shepherd Sunday—reminds us that it is His voice we listen for in the ministry of a Pope. “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Only this voice gives life, peace, and direction to the flock.

The desire for a faithful shepherd runs deep in the story of salvation. Israel longed for a shepherd who would care for them not just politically or militarily, but spiritually and intimately. The prophets spoke of a day when God Himself would shepherd His people: “I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest… the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal” (Ezekiel 34:15–16). This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfilment in Christ, who says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

Today’s readings remind us that the voice of the Shepherd calls out to all people—Jews and Gentiles alike. His call is universal. As we hear in the Acts of the Apostles, “I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47). Christ draws together a flock not defined by language or nationality, but by those who hear and follow His voice. We saw this beautifully reflected in the funeral of Pope Francis, where the entire world seemed to pause in prayer. But even more striking was the unity of the conclave—men from every continent and background, gathered in prayer and brotherhood, seeking to discern the will of the Good Shepherd for His Church.

That unity is not of human making. It is the work of Christ, who “gathers into one the scattered children of God”(John 11:52). Only the Good Shepherd can overcome division, heal the wounds of sin, and bring together His scattered sheep into one fold (John 10:16). And now, Pope Leo has already urged us to be “bridge builders,” ministers of peace and reconciliation. As St Paul reminds us: “God has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). What does that look like for you? In your homes, your workplaces, your schools? What bridges need to be built? Who might need you to listen, to forgive, or to reach out?

And how beautiful that right here in Port Elizabeth, the Lord has given us a local sign of His shepherding love: the Oratory. This Monday marks the 17th anniversary of its canonical establishment. It’s something we all share in. Before the Oratory, this parish was lovingly cared for by diocesan and religious priests. Then came a time of waiting—a time without priests. And what happened? You, the laity, stepped up. Together with then-Bishop Michael Coleman, you prayed for priests. And now, the fruit of that prayer: eleven Oratorians, serving in joy.

An Oratory is more than just a group of priests—it’s a spiritual family. A place of prayer, silence, liturgy, and community. We are united in the spirit of St Philip Neri, and under the maternal care of St Bernadette, our parish patroness. Please keep us in your prayers, as we keep you daily in ours.

Let us, then, as one family, strive to listen attentively to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Let us do whatever He tells us (John 2:5).

And today, on Mother’s Day, we remember that it was Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, who gave us that beautiful instruction at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.” Her attentiveness to the voice of her Son is the perfect model for us. May we imitate her faith (Luke 1:38), her love, and entrust our lives—and our Church—to the voice of the Shepherd who never abandons His sheep.

“For the Lamb who is in the centre of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17).

Amen.