There is something very special going on in our Church across the world. Something that was hoped for, but maybe not what we really expected to actually see happen. And one of the big reasons for this something special is in today’s readings. Let’s take a look.

For years we, as a Church, have been faced with shrinking attendance at Mass, fewer catechumens entering the Church, and atheists railing against the existence of God. And it was not just the Catholic Church facing this trend; the same was happening in other denominations too. But something has changed, the numbers are now growing… and growing a lot!

Across the U.S. this Easter, 40,000 catechumens became Catholic at the Easter Vigil. 40,000! In France, the number of new Catholics was over 21,000. Big numbers. In our Archdiocese in 2023 only 299 catechumens entered the Church. This year, that number was 680. Something else is also happening that speaks of a shifting sentiment toward God.

Over the last few years, philosophers who are known as “new atheists” are changing their tune. These atheist philosophers are admitting that their arguments are weak, while the arguments for the existence of God are strong… and some are even becoming Christians! Amazing.

In our own parishes here in town, we are seeing a revival in attendance, especially among younger people. You may not be aware of how unique it is to have eight Masses offered each weekend in our two Churches. Many towns don’t even have half that many Masses.

So, why are we seeing this turnaround? Why is this revival happening? I think today’s readings give us a strong clue. Across the three readings we hear a calling to turn away from the wickedness of what is happening out there and an invitation to peace and to a better way of life in here as part of His community. And this is very appealing to many who are searching to be a part of something, to fill that longing inside of them by responding to God’s call. People do not find fulfillment in what society says is important, while God, scripture, and Church do.

In the first reading from Act of the Apostles, Peter said, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation… Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” That’s what people are doing, turning their backs on society and 40,000 were baptized this Easter!

In the second reading, we hear from Peter again who says, “For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” Society won’t be our shepherd or a guardian of our soul, but Jesus Christ will. And as part of a community of believers, we are in His sheepfold!

And in the Gospel, Jesus talks about how He is the Shepherd and He is the gate through which we find that better life. He said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep… Whoever enters through me,” meaning whoever follows Him, has access to God the Father. “Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture… I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

That is His promise to us, His covenant with us. He is the Good Shepherd that fills that ache within us for more, for that something that is missing in our lives. And in the beautiful responsorial Psalm, we sang of this gift. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.”

When we stray from our Shepherd, we think we know what is best for us when we are meant to be in His care. An analogy is when I go to the doctor – do I tell her how to cure me? No, I go to be cured, I listen and do what she tells me to do. Likewise, with Christ.

He guides us on right paths, paths that fulfill us, paths that society cannot deliver to us. Because we are on His path, we fear no evil because we know the eternity that awaits those who follow Him. The Psalm closes with, “Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord.” 

These are the comforting messages that draw people back to our Church and to our Savior. Jesus Christ teaches us every week what we are to do to heed our Shepherd, to follow Him, to find those restful waters. That’s why we have this turnaround and that’s a revival we can all get behind!