It is 13th May 2019. We celebrate the memorial of our Lady of Fatima. Our Blessed Mother Mary appeared to three shepherd children namely Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in Portugal in 1917. She invited the world through them for a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin and a dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially through praying the Rosary. To have peace and blessings, we all need to recite and meditate the mysteries of our salvation through rosary. The readings are from Acts 11:1-18; and the Gospel from John 10:1-10. The message of love is for all and no one needs to be left out for any reason. St. Peter’s style of inclusive attitude in proclaiming the Gospel towards those who were uncircumcised received servere criticism and condemnation. Perhaps, it is still present in our minds not allow everyone to enjoy and experience what we are experiencing spiritually. God made everything good and for all of us to experience God’s love and goodness without any conditions, prejudices and division. “God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4). There is no one to be left out just because of their affiliations, origins, colour, creed, gender and orientations in experience the love of God revealed in Christ. “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons and daughters of God, through faith.” (Gal.3:26). St. Peter’s shepherding was inclusive even amidst the opposition and disturbance among the fellow believers. The Apostle was willing to take a stand for Jesus even to the extent of giving his own life. “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd” (Jn. 10:16). The responsorial Psalm praises, “My soul is thirsting for the living God.” (Ps.42:2). The Gospel presents us with the qualities of a good shepherd, Jesus. Pope Francis taught us in his Homily yesterday: “The Good Shepherd – Jesus – is attentive to each one of us, He seeks and loves us, addressing to us His Word, knowing the depths of our hearts, our desires and our hopes, as well as our failures and our disappointments.” Jesus leads us because we listen to Him. Jesus is the gate only by which we can commune with God. As long as we listen to the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we are able to be led to the greener pastures. He gives His life for the integral welfare of our life. Jesus alone can grant us the rest and refreshes ourselves completely. “I will tend them in a good pasture,…and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.” (Ez.34:14). Let us beware of following the thieves and divisive mind set shepherds in our daily lives. May the Lord help us listening to His voice so as to enjoy the eternal life He alone offers to us. May you have a good day. God bless you.