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In a homily delivered to the congregation and the wider Christian community, the Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok emphasized the importance of listening to the voice of Christ, the Good Shepherd, amid the many competing influences in today’s world.
By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The celebration of Good Shepherd Sunday was held at St Paul Catholic Parish Aboke on 26 April 2026 where Christians participated in the Eucharistic celebration of Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocation Sunday, with a strong message directed especially to young people on discerning God’s call in their lives.
In a homily delivered to the congregation and the wider Christian community, the Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok emphasized the importance of listening to the voice of Christ, the Good Shepherd, amid the many competing influences in today’s world.
Quoting the Gospel message, Bishop Wanok reminded the congregation that, “The sheep hear his voice, he calls his own by name… and they follow him.” He challenged the faithful to reflect deeply on whether they truly hear and follow Christ’s voice.
The Bishop highlighted that every vocation begins with an inner question, echoing the words of the early Christians: “What are we to do?”
He noted that such moments of restlessness, particularly among young people, are often signs of God’s invitation. “A vocation begins with conversion, a change of direction,” he said, urging the youth not to ignore the deeper questions about purpose and calling.
Addressing modern challenges, Bishop Wanok warned against misleading influences such as peer pressure, social media, and the pursuit of quick wealth. He cautioned that not every voice leads to life, adding that some paths can ultimately “destroy dignity, confuse identity, and take away the future.”
He encouraged young people to cultivate discernment through prayer, silence, Scripture, and guidance from the Church in order to recognize the authentic voice of Christ.
In a message of hope, the Bishop reassured those who feel lost or discouraged, saying that God’s call is not reserved for the perfect. “You had gone astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd,” he quoted, emphasizing that it is always possible to return and begin anew.
Bishop Wanok also called on families and the wider Church community to actively support vocations. He urged parents not to discourage their children from pursuing priesthood or religious life out of fear or material concerns, stressing that vocation is discovered within a supportive and listening community. “A true vocation does not reduce your life—it fulfills it,” he affirmed, encouraging the youth to have the courage to make firm decisions rooted in faith.
Concluding his message, Bishop Wanok reminded the faithful that Christ continues to call each person personally. He invited all present to open their hearts and respond with faith and courage. The celebration of Good Shepherd Sunday at Aboke Parish served as a renewed call for the youth and the entire Christian community to listen attentively to God’s voice and to walk confidently in their respective vocations.
End