Sufferings Are Stepping Stones (#725, Easter 4)

Fr. Joel Homilies

Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A) • The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. So how do we explain the trials we have to go through? We want abundant life. But to get there, our Good Shepherd must lead us through sufferings and trials. The sufferings are stepping stones.

(7 May 2017)

Point to Discuss: Have you ever resisted a change because you felt it would be terrible, only to discover it was a good experience after all? Talk with a spiritual friend about your experience.

Point to Ponder: Memorize Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

I fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff,
they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil,
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.