On this Good Shepherd or Vocation Sunday, we are reminded of our calling to sow seeds of hope and build peace in our communities. The theme for this year’s Vocation Sunday resonates deeply with the essence of our faith – that we are all called to be instruments of hope, peace, and reconciliation, and sow seeds of love rather than hatred in the world.

In John 10:11, Jesus proclaims, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This verse encapsulates the selfless and sacrificial nature of the shepherd, who tends to his flock with unwavering dedication and care. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to emulate the Good Shepherd in our own lives by laying down our lives for others, serving as beacons of hope and sources of comfort to those in need.

Furthermore, in Galatians 6:9, we are reminded, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This verse underscores the importance of perseverance and steadfastness in our efforts to sow seeds of hope and build peace. Even in the face of challenges and adversity, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in our commitment to spreading God’s love and light in the world.

The church’s theme of this year’s Vocation Sunday serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to cultivate a culture of peace and reconciliation in our communities and the world not forgetting to care for it as we are called to be good shepherds.

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse highlights the profound impact that peacemakers have in the world, as they work tirelessly to bridge divides, heal wounds, and promote unity among all God’s children. We all are aware of the instabilities in the different parts of the world. Wars and other forms of human suffering are depriving God’s people of peace.

As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday and reflect on the theme of sowing seeds of hope and building peace, let us draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Let us commit ourselves to being agents of change, building bridges between different faith groups, giving hope, spreading love, compassion, and reconciliation wherever we go.

Together, we can sow seeds of hope and build a world rooted in the peace and love of our Good Shepherd.

May this year’s Vocation Sunday be a time of reflection, renewal, and rededication to our calling as disciples of Christ. May we pray for Vocations to the Church as the harvest is rich and the Laborers are still few. Let us go forth with courage and conviction, knowing that we are called to be instruments of hope and peace in a world that is in desperate need of God’s light.

Thinking about Journalists and Traffic Police in Uganda.

Whereas the journalists and media teams are so busy covering events of the Easter triduum it is an opportunity and an invitation for them to be transformed by the faith they spread to others. Think about it. I was this morning following the way of the cross in Uganda from Rome because of the tireless efforts of people behind the camera but then I was touched to see the police forces who were deployed to offer security to the crowds getting down on their knees venerating the cross, helping carry the Cross an act of faith and love.

Photo Credit : Uganda Catholics Online

I read a story of a dedicated journalist named Sarah who worked tirelessly to cover the stories of the Easter Triduum. She was known for her passion for reporting and her commitment to delivering accurate and meaningful news to the people.

During one particularly eventful Easter season, Sarah found herself amidst a group of pilgrims making their way to a sacred site. As she followed their journey and interviewed them along the way, she also took on the responsibility of ensuring their safety and well-being during the pilgrimage.

Sarah’s dedication did not go unnoticed. The local police officers who were assigned to provide security for the pilgrimage were impressed by her selflessness and genuine care for the pilgrims. They saw firsthand her courage and commitment to her work, and they soon began to rely on her as a trusted ally in maintaining peace and order during the event.

As Sarah continued to report on the Easter Triduum and support the pilgrims on their journey, something unexpected began to happen. The stories she covered, the experiences she witnessed, and the interactions she had with the pilgrims started to touch her heart in a profound way.

Through her conversations with the pilgrims, her observations of their faith and devotion, and her collaboration with the police officers in ensuring their safety, Sarah began to see the power of belief and the strength of the community. She was moved by the spirit of unity and compassion that she witnessed among the pilgrims, and she found herself drawn to the message of hope and redemption that the Easter Triduum symbolized.

In a moment of reflection and realization, Sarah realized that she, too, had become a believer – not just in the stories she reported or the events she covered, but in the transformative power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey from a journalist covering the Easter Triduum to a faithful servant of truth and compassion was a testament to the profound impact that the Easter season can have on those who are open to its message of love and renewal.

And so, Sarah continued her work as a journalist, now with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the stories she shared. She became a guiding light for her fellow media professionals and a source of inspiration for the police officers who worked alongside her. Together, they upheld the values of service, integrity, and empathy, embodying the spirit of a good and faithful servant who sought to shine a light in the darkness and spread hope in times of uncertainty.

Like Sarah, all media professionals and Security officers can gain hope from their work. May this experience inspire you to think of ways in which your work can be a sanctifying experience of grace during this Easter Triduum.