When Jesus promises ‘an abundant life,’ he is not speaking of a private spiritual feeling we cultivate on our own. Abundant life is shared life, the life that forms when people listen to the Shepherd’s voice together, gather around the table, pray, learn, and care for one another as the early church did.
This Sunday, the old Latin introit chanted after confession, and absolution still whispers its truth: Misericordia Domini plena est terra - the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord. That mercy becomes visible not in solitary achievement but in a community shaped by generosity, welcome, and the Shepherd who opens the gate for all.
Looking forward to Sunday when our Deacon in Training will share the good news with us.
Father Karl