Sunday, 26th April 2026: A homily by Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi in the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sliema.
Homily by Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi
In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents himself as the Shepherd. What we have prayed in Psalm 23, we see in Jesus: “The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I lack…. he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name” (Psalm 23:1.3).
Jesus speaks of a relationship that is deeply personal: “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3).This is not the language of control, but of intimacy and recognition. The sheep follow not out of fear, but because they know his voice.
Today, this Gospel takes on a living, tangible meaning among us, because one among us has heard that voice – not as a noise among many, but as a call that could not be ignored. The journey toward the Sacrament of Confirmation of Hannah is precisely this: learning to distinguish the voice of Christ from all the other voices competing for our attention. In a world full of distractions, opinions, and pressures, to recognise Christ’s voice is already a grace. To respond to it is courage.
Entering into fullness of life
Jesus does not only call. He also says: “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture” (John 10:9).
A gate is a point of passage, a threshold. It marks a decision: to remain outside or to step inside. Today, through Confirmation, this candidate is not beginning the Christian life – that began at Baptism – but is choosing to step more deeply into it, to pass consciously and freely through the Gate who is Christ. Confirmation is not a graduation; it is not the end of a process. It is an opening into a full life in the Spirit.
Jesus contrasts himself with “thieves and robbers” (cf John 10:1) – those false promises that seem attractive but ultimately steal life rather than give it. Our world offers many such voices: success without meaning, freedom without truth, pleasure without love. But Christ says clearly: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
The question today is not only for the one being confirmed, but for all of us: Through which gate am I choosing to live my life?
Strength to recognise and follow
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is given in a new and powerful way. This is not symbolic. It is real, transformative grace. The same Spirit who enabled the apostles to move from fear to boldness, from confusion to clarity, is given today.
Why is this important in light of today’s Gospel? Because recognising the Shepherd’s voice is not always easy. Following him is not always comfortable. Remaining faithful is not always popular.
The Spirit gives wisdom to discern Christ’s voice, courage to follow it, and strength to remain faithful when the path is difficult. Today, the Church prays that Hannah will be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit, not for a private faith, but for a mission.
Called by name, sent with purpose
Jesus says that the Shepherd “leads them out”(John 10:3). Notice that he does not keep the sheep enclosed in a sheltered and protected place. He leads them out into the world.
Confirmation is not about staying safe inside the Church. It is about being sent into the world as a witness. To Hannah who will be receiving Confirmation today: You are called by name. Your faith is not borrowed; it is now your own. The Church entrusts you with a mission: to be a witness to truth in a confused world; to be a sign of hope where there is discouragement; to be a voice of Christ among those who do not yet recognise him.
You may feel unworthy or unprepared, you may feel that it is a challenging task. But so did the apostles. What made the difference was not their strength, but the Spirit given to them.
For the whole community
This celebration is not only about one person. It is a moment of grace for all of us. We are reminded today that Christ continues to call, that his voice still resounds, that the Church is alive when people respond.
Let us ask listen to his voice. Let us be sure that other voices don’t distract us from his voice and lead us astray. Lest us live the abundant life he promises, and not settle for less.
“I am the gate,” says the Lord. Today, that gate is not an abstract idea. It is a living invitation. To Hannah, who will be confirmed: Enter with trust. Walk with courage. Remain attentive to his voice. To all of us: Let us renew our own “yes” to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who calls us by name and leads us into life, and life in its fullness.
Joseph Galea Curmi
Auxiliary Bishop