Reflection on the 4th Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, Cycle A

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•April 29, 2020

The Good Shepherd - John 10:1-16

Acts 2:14. 36-41; 1 Pt. 2:20-25; Jn. 10:1-10.

Right in the Book of Genesis, we find Abraham in a pastoral civilization, with herds of camels, oxen and sheep. They were a nomadic people moving with their flocks along rivers where they had grazing ground. Thus the image of a shepherd was most familiar to them. The shepherd was a leader bringing the herd to grazing ground, would defend them from wild beasts, and was also a tender care giver, especially for those heavy with young. He looked for those that stray and led them back to the fold, bound up the wounded, and he would carry the weak in his arms if needed. This image of the shepherd was already transferred to Yahweh in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” God was a provider: bringing Israel to ‘fresh and green pastures’ and ‘restful waters,’ guiding them ‘along right path’ and ‘preparing a banquet,’ his ‘goodness and kindness’ followed them.

The prophet Ezekiel called attention to these actuations of God toward his people Israel in chapter 34 of his book and tells us that the Father himself will shepherd his people leading them and caring for them as he did of old: 11 “I myself will look after and tend my sheep…15 I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest,.. 16 The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal…” This was said by God as a rebuke to the human shepherds of Israel who during that time neglected to shepherd the people, who rather abused their position as leaders to exploit the people. Then God promised the coming of an ideal shepherd whom he will send.

In the New Testament, all these shall be fulfilled in Jesus: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” He repeats this in v.15, and explains it in vv. 17-18. He gives his life “so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” Our God takes up our human life, then offers it on the Cross so that we may have eternal life. Can there be more wonderful gift than that? Are we amazed at such love? Do we love him in return? Such is our Good Shepherd! “He calls his own sheep by name,” because their names are written in the Book of Life. Let me find joy in this truth and let me serve him joyfully. “He walks ahead of them, the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” Did I always follow Jesus? Were there moments in my life when I followed other voices because it was convenient, it was pleasurable? Did I find life when I followed those voices? Jesus heals and offers eternal life, need I look for more? And yet in my life there were times I followed other shepherds. I need to repent and ask for forgiveness; and ask for the grace to be more faithful, for my Shepherd is Jesus who loves me unconditionally. There were times when like the two disciples I left Jerusalem for Emmaus, going away from the new born Church, and yet Jesus followed me and explained the Scriptures to me. Thank you, for my heart was ‘burning within me’ and I returned to Jerusalem at once. I was also a doubting Thomas at times, questioning God and his ways, yet he came and settled my doubts showing me his wounds in the hands and at his side. I was like Peter who feared for my life and I did not stand for him; I readily denied him so as not to contradict but to conform with the majority. Jesus is my risen Lord; he is my Good Shepherd. He gave up his human life to give me eternal life. Jesus, I believe, I adore, I trust and I love you. Let not my faith be only an intellectual assent to these truths, but let this faith be a conviction in my heart, so that I may trust you with my whole life, love you and serve you. Amen.

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

Priest/Religious/Bible Professor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

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< 2023 >

June

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
				1 All day June 1, 2023 FEAST OF JESUS CHRIST, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST MOVING UP CEREMONIES – USJ-R (JHS) BIRTHDAY Fray Raul Buhay Fray Russell Lapidez Sis. Susana Batin, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Felina Chiong, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lourdes Dawag, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Estrella Buelo, SAR (Manila Chapter)	2 All day June 2, 2023 RST: COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Holy Mass: 8:00 a.m. / Mass Presider: Prior Provincial Solemn Investiture: 9:30 a.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Constantino Real Carl Veloso (RAY-Cavite)	3 All day June 3, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Roy Baluarte Fray Ramon Bitancor III Br. Roque James Sabas (postulant) Sis. Clothie Canoy, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Olivia Alicante, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Corazon Ranoa, SAR (Miranila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Edgar Bond Jr., SAR (Baguio Chapter)
4 All day June 4, 2023 HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS BIRTHDAY Sis. Milagros Lagan, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter)	5 All day June 5, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SPA-R (CAIDIOCAN) BIRTHDAY Sis. Purita Crom, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Herminigilda Claver, SAR (Talisay Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1985-2023) Fray Francisco Antonio Fray Amadeo Lucero	6 All day June 6, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Ma. Asuncion Zorilla, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Jennifer Sibayan, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) Christine Joy Euraba (RAY-Talisay) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Agustinus Agus (Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia)	7 All day June 7, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Roberta Legaspi, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL & EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS Most Rev. Raul Dael, D.D. (Diocese of Tandag) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Alejandro Leongas, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	8 All day June 8, 2023 61ST FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (1962-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE BACOLOD COMMUNITY BIRTHDAY Sr. Mary Joy Dula, AR Sis. Cristina Crosland, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Yolanda Apacible, SAR (Manila Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Ryan Jimenez, D.D. (Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, CNMI) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Amparo del Sgdo. Corazon de Jesus, AR +Sis. Rosita Climaco, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	9 All day June 9, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Purificacion Glimada, AR Sr. Ma. Lea Eseo, AR Sr. Evangeline Pejano, AR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Porferia Georpe, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	10 All day June 10, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (June 10-17, 2023) MOVING UP CEREMONIES – CST-R (JHS) BIRTHDAY Fray Joel Villaruel Bro. Arturo Catindig, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Bro. John Kamara, SAR (Kamalo Chapter / Trial) Sis. Violeta Villamin, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Cossete Villanueva, SAR (Talisay Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1984-2023) Fray Raul Buhay Fray Domingo Saladaga Fray William Emilito Villaflor DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Carmela Garcia, AR +Sr. Soledad Cañete, AR +Sis. Estela Taburada, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Daisy Soguilon, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) +Bro. Rodolfo Mijares, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
11 All day June 11, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – CST-R (SHS) BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Francisco de Leon, D.D. (Diocese of Antipolo) Fray Bernabe Dosdos Br. Kenneth Quitaleg (postulant) Sr. Ma. Divina Caabay, AR Sis. Rosalinda Rios, SAR (Talisay Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1983-2023 / 40TH Anniversary) Fray Bernard Amparado Fray Joseph Granada Fray Cristituto Palomar Fray Jorge Peligro DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Abraham Caballes, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	12 All day June 12, 2023 [Philippine’s 125th Independence Day] Theme: “Freedom, Future, History” BIRTHDAY Sis. Lucita Anareta, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Adelaida Tanchico, SAR (Miranila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Micaela de la Virgen del Carmen, AR +Sis. Felicidad Delalamon, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	13 All day June 13, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (SHS) Time: 10:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Br. Mark Anthony Zion Madrona (aspirant) Mo. Lucena Antipala, AR (General Superior of the CARS) Sr. Antonia Pono, AR Sis. Herminia Ishii, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Antonieta Lorna Cepe, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Antonia Lauron, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SOLEMN PROFESSION (Religious Brother) (1998-2023 / 25th) Fray Jaazeal Jakosalem DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Fe de la Sgda. Familia, AR +Sr. Ma. Amparo Serra, AR +Sis. Victoria Caturay, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	14 All day June 14, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SHC-R, ALFONSO, CAVITE Time: 3:30 p.m. BIRTHDAY Sis. Natividad Remitera, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1972-2023) Fray Federico Gregorio Fray Lauro Larlar Fray Ceferino Añez DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Michaela de la Virgen del Carmen, AR +Mo. Maria Josefa Borces, AR +Sis. Angelina Yap, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	15 All day June 15, 2023 PRIESTLY ORDINATION- FRAY DANILO DE SOUZA SANTOS (Province of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva) BIRTHDAY Fray Nelson Plohimon Sr. Adoracion Pagsisihan, AR Sr. Isis Vita Villagonzalo, AR Sis. Hilda Socrates, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Rosario Mamon, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Bro. Leo Calimutan, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Bro. Leonardo Erojo (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Manuela de San Agustin, AR +Sis. Amalia Gatuslao, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	16 All day June 16, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SANCTIFICATION OF PRIESTS MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R CAVITE (KINDERGARTEN) Time: 9:30 a.m. COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (GRADE SCHOOL) Time: 3:30 p.m. BIRTHDAY Sr. Aurelia Pastidio, AR Sis. Miriam Ruiz, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Rosalina Mangaoil, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Mary Jane Eranista, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Salvacion Rubia, SAR (Laray Chapter) Sis. Roselyn Ubag, SAR (Valencia Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1974-2023) Fray Enrico Peter Silab DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Encarnacion Hynson, AR	17 All day June 17, 2023 IMMACULATE HEART OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO COSTA RICA (June 17-30, 2023) RAY REGIONAL SUMMIT (LUZON) Inclusive Dates: June 17-18, 2023 Venue: SSC-R Manila MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R CAVITE (JHS) Time: 10:00 a.m. COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – UNO-R (COLLEGE)
18 All day June 18, 2023 11TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Corazon Barroca, AR Sis. Lourdes Florendo, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Aida Tambis, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1978-2023 / 45th Anniversary) Fray Joseph Philip Trayvilla ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. (Diocese of Cubao) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Victor Jose Lluch (2004-2023) +Sis. Erlinda Dacalos, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Ma. Celia Setias, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter)	19 All day June 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (SHS) Time: 9:30 a.m. BIRTHDAY Sis. Teresita Panares, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1977-2023) Fray René Paglinawan Fray Leonardo Pauligue Fray Samson Silloriquez ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D. (Diocese of Imus) (2010-2023) Fray Leo Alaras Fray Michael Catama Fray Kenneth Joseph Onda Fray James Dexter Tanquis ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD (Diocese of San Pablo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Rosa de Padua, AR	20 All day June 20, 2023 4TH CENTENARY (1623-2023) OF THE ARRIVAL IN JAPAN (of Bld. Vicente de San Antonio and Francisco de Jesus) COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (COLLEGE) Time: 9:00 a.m. 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RECOLETOS’ SPIRITUAL ADMINISTRATION OF NEGROS (granted by Bishop Romualdo Jimeno of Cebu and the Spanish government) BIRTHDAY Fray Renier Alviola Fray Enrico Nacorda Sis. Fe Enilog, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Macaria Salgado, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Reyson Valerio (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Leilani Alejandro, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) +Sis. Carina Juan, SAR (Manila Chapter)	21 All day June 21, 2023 MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R MANILA (KINDERGARTEN) Time: 10:15 a.m. BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Luisa Borces, AR Sis. Angelita de Guzman, SAR (Miranila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY (2005-2023) +Jaime Cardinal Sin (Brother General of the Order)	22 All day June 22, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Paulino Dacanay	23 All day June 23, 2023 MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R MANILA (JHS) Time: 10:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Sr. Joan Marie Ubag, AR Sis. Elenora Tubiona, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Remegia Lopez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Marilyn Semense, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Rosalinda Pablico, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter / Trial)	24 All day June 24, 2023 NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST START OF THE 5-DAY SPIRITUAL RETREAT OF THE CANDIDATES FOR NOVITIATE (cf. Add. Code 222) BIRTHDAY Sr. Jesusa Pedrez, AR Sr. Juanita Payawal, AR Sis. Juanita Payawal, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Lourdes Calderon, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Baby Rich Pajares (RAY-Caidiocan) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Presentacion Ramirez, AR
25 All day June 25, 2023 12TH SUNDAY IN ORINDARY TIME BIRTHDAY Fray William Emilito Villaflor Sis. Asuncion Magalona, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Prosfera Jabagat, SAR (Laray Chapter) Sis. Vivien Oquindo, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sean Feauna Narvasa (RAY-Balamban) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Luisa Padilla, AR	26 All day June 26, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (GRADE SCHOOL) Time: 3:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Julius Marcos Fray Virgilio Calalang, Jr. Fray Mark Joseph Quirante (simply prof.) Sis. Melinda Camero, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Whagie Saronillo, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Winifreda Pahilanga, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Jamaicha Lapinid (RAY-Miranila)	27 All day June 27, 2023 MEETING – COMMISSION ON SOCIAL APOSTOLATE (Rome) BIRTHDAY Sr. Elvira Vergara, AR Bro. Manuel Martinez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Bro. David de la Torre, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Lucita Dimaano, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2020-2023) Fray Joseph Neil Baygan Fray James Esplanada Fray Judd Galinato Fray Mc Ariel Capinpin Fray Mark Joseph Quirante DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Catalina del Amor Misericordioso, AR +Sr. Crisanta Lerio, AR	28 All day June 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSION COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (COLLEGE) Time: 2:30 p.m. ARCORES GENERAL ASSEMBLY (June 28-29, 2023 / Rome) BIRTHDAY Fray Enrico Peter Silab Fray Samson Silloriquez Sis. Sonia Ramos, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1990-2023) Fray Bernabe Dosdos ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Francisco de Leon, D.D. (Diocese of Antipolo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita de Lumbania, AR	29 All day June 29, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF STS. PETER & PAUL, APOSTLES BIRTHDAY Sis. Pablicita Palatino, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Bro. Peter Sesay, SAR (Kamalo Chapter / Trial) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1967-2023) Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, D.D. (Diocese of Bacolod) (2019-2023) Fray Neil Robert Alilain (2018-2023) Fray Helfrid Palmis Fray Rey Jay Quevedo Fray Jhoben Rodriguez DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Neriza Hernandez, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) +Sis. Aleja Abellar, SAR (Cavite Chapter) +Sis. Remedios Vitangcol, SAR (Cavite Chapter)	30 All day June 30, 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CANLUBANG (ALL LEVELS) Time: 10:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Bro. Aquilino Cariño Jr., SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Leticia Tayao, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Ma. Teresa Bilbao, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Liberty Batayola, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Adelina Sacapano, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) +Sis. Laureana Quijano, SAR (Talisay Chapter) +Sis. Amancia Gagui, SAR (Miranila Chapter)

Reflection on the 4th Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, Cycle A

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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