The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as "Good Shepherd Sunday" because the Gospel always features Jesus' teaching about himself as the Good Shepherd. It is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
Jesus' words resound through the centuries:
"'I am the good shepherd.; Ezekiel 34:11-12,15,22 The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." — John 10:11, 14-15
Unlike hired hands who flee when danger comes, the Good Shepherd stays and protects—even to the point of death.
The imagery of sheep and shepherd runs throughout Scripture:
Jesus fulfills all these promises. He is the shepherd God promised to send.
The Good Shepherd is known by his sheep:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." — John 10:27-28
This is the security of belonging to Christ—no one can snatch us from his hand.
This Sunday is set aside to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Church needs shepherds after Christ's own heart—men and women who will lay down their lives for the flock.
Jesus also speaks of gathering all into one flock:
"I have other sheep which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd." — John 10:16
The mission extends to all people everywhere.