Gulf Pine Catholic • April 24, 2026 5 MORE THAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS We are Professional Remembrance Planners Explore the many unique ways to honor and celebrate lives. Call or visit Bradford O’Keefe today. BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOMES Professional. Compassionate. Dignified. 228-374-5650 • Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Reflection -- Story: Cardinal Emeritus Timothy Dolan said he was at a restaurant when a waiter told him, “I have often thought about becoming a priest.” The Cardinal replied, “So what is stopping you from becoming a priest?” The man answered, “I’m an atheist!” The Cardinal said, “We are in the business of conversion. Come and see me, and we will work on it.” The Church in every age continues to follow its first-century model of Christian initiation in response to Jesus’ command, “Go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Summary of Readings: In today’s first reading, Peter urges his audience to repent of their rejection of Jesus and be baptized. Today’s psalmist admits to living in a dark valley (sin) and prays for the Lord’s healing and guidance (Psalm 23). In our second reading, Peter reminds them that they had gone astray like sheep, but commends them for repenting and returning to Jesus, “as the shepherd and guardian of their soul.” (1 Peter 2:25). Are you sure it’s Easter? Does it seem strange that today’s Easter readings mention darkness and sin and call us to repentance? Didn’t we have enough of that during the five weeks of Lent? Do I still have to acknowledge my occasional walk on the dark side (sin) and admit that in certain areas of my life, I have drifted away from the Lord? These questions highlight two important truths about the Christian life. First, that conversion is a lifelong journey, a continuous turning away from impulses that lead to sin. Second, Easter gives purpose to repentance. If our goal is to be more Christlike, then an examination of conscience will guide us from tomb-like behavior to resurrection victory. In the spiritual economy, repentance and conversion are always essential, no matter the season. Each of us can now take Jesus’ command to His disciples as a personal invitation and Spiritanointed challenge by following Peter’s example of continuous conversion. We can repent of our sins, believe in Jesus as Lord and redeemer, joyfully accept His forgiveness, and tell everyone that new life is a visit to God’s throne of grace through the sacrament of Reconciliation. Why Repent? In today’s second reading, Peter offers a gift of Easter grace by acknowledging that Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection give purpose to our repentance. Repentance would be meaningless without the higher goal of making us more obedient to God’s will. Because Jesus lives, we seek that forgiveness which frees us to live in right relationship with the Lord and with one another. When we have heard the Shepherd’s voice and are no longer chasing after the things of the flesh, we can take our place in the sheepfold and rely on the guardian of our souls. Lasting purpose and fulfillment come when Jesus is at the center of our lives and is our primary model for living. Only He can provide peace and happiness that no person or circumstance can take away. “I came that they (everyone) might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b). Resist an inward focus and attach yourself to the true shepherd. Why would you want to settle for less? Closing Comments and Questions: So, what is your understanding of the abundant life that Jesus spoke about in today’s gospel? Is it excellent physical health? Is it enough money to do anything you want to do? Is it complete harmony with no hassles in your relationships? Is it the ideal job with the perfect boss and unlimited growth potential? Do you think that the firstcentury disciples of Jesus were concerned about any of those things? In their pursuit of following Christ, Jesus’ disciples never asked if what they were doing was safe, politically correct, risk-free, or would make them popular with most people -- no, their primary concern was, “What would God have me do in this particular situation?” The invitation to conversion invites us to see life through God’s perspective, not our own. Sheep Follow: After describing His future Church as a flock of sheep, Jesus calls Himself the “door of the sheep.” St. Augustine preached, “Christ enters not into our houses but into our hearts.” Eternal life is reserved for those who follow Jesus and conform themselves to His will. In Matthew 25:31-46, sheep follow, and goats butt. Read it and see where you fit in. Goat’s butt. “But, Lord, you don’t really expect me to be holy as you are holy?” (1 Peter 1:15-16). But, Lord, am I really obliged to attend Mass every Sunday, if possible? But, Lord…Add your own. Deacon Ralph Torrelli is retired and lives in Tennessee. Visit his website: www.homilypearls. com. 1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:14a, 36-41 Responsorial Psalm: 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 2nd Reading: 1 Peter 2:20b-25 Gospel: John 10:1-10 Fourth Sunday of Easter Conversion Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries A Prayer of Renewal Lord Jesus, give us the humility wherever pride reigns, pardon wherever offense abides, grace wherever sin abounds; we pray to You; Jesus Christ, risen Lord, have mercy on us!
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