The Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter is:
“Almighty ever-living God, lead us to a share in the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”
Reflection
We look forward to heaven, but we can share in some of it’s joys here and now. Holiness, virtue, good liturgy; all these and more are ways we can share in that joy now. It is Good Shepherd Sunday, so we focus on the image of Christ the Shepherd leading us into eternal pastures. But, this request is connected to the first part of the prayer; The idea is that we share in heavenly joys now and that share gives us the strength to follow Christ all the way
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
consider how much you look forward to Heaven. Think about what it will mean to be free of pain and sorrow and, more importantly, to know and experience perfect love. Pray to the Good Shepherd that you embrace the help we have now to reach the joys we will have then. Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass.
{It is Sunday, so I hope you can make it!}