As we continue to celebrate the joy of Jesus’ resurrection during this Easter season, our Gospel this weekend reminds us of a beautiful truth: Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we are His sheep. He tells us, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me… no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.” What a comforting reminder that Jesus knows and loves each of us personally—and that He will never abandon us, even when we inevitably wander off.

This past week, our family had 13 baseball games between our three boys. It was a whirlwind, and while we made it through mostly unscathed, we were definitely left feeling worn down. In the midst of such busyness, I’ve come to realize how essential it is—not just for me, but for our whole family—to stay rooted in our relationship with God. That’s why, even after a hectic week, we made it a priority to attend Mass.

I won’t pretend it was easy. It would have been tempting to say, “This is finally a day to rest—we can skip just this once.” But this is where being part of Jesus’ flock becomes more than just a comforting image—it becomes a call to action. God’s grace allows us to be forgiven, restored, and sustained—but we, as His sheep, must also do our part. We must continue to seek Him, especially when it’s difficult.

I’m not sharing this to pat myself on the back—sometimes, it truly isn’t possible to make it—but for us, attending Mass is a top priority. We know that coming to worship, to thank God for His blessings, and to receive the Eucharist gives us a kind of renewal that no amount of sleep or downtime ever could.

So, when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or feeling lost, remember—you are a sheep with a Shepherd who knows you, loves you, and will never let you go. But it’s also up to you to listen for His voice, to seek Him through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and in community with others.

Life will always be full of distractions and demands, but staying close to the Shepherd is what gives us true rest, real strength, and lasting direction. Let’s continue to follow Him, trust in His care, and live out our faith—even when it’s hard—because in Him, we find all we need.