In the Mass before 1969, Good Shepherd Sunday was celebrated on the Second Sunday *after* Easter (now known as the Third Sunday *of* Easter). In the Mass since 1969, it has been celebrated on the Fourth Sunday *of* Easter (formerly known as the Third Sunday *after* Easter). In all three years of the modern liturgical cycle, the Gospel of the day makes a reference to Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Additionally, in Year A (last year), the Responsorial Psalm was Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd...). In Year C (next year), the response to Psalm 100 is "We are his people, the sheep of his flock." In all three years, the Alleluia verse is "I am the Good Shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me." That passage also appears in today's Gospel (by the way, as you can tell by preceding sentences, we're in Year B).
In presenting music for today, we do include a couple of Shepherd references, namely at the Offertory (In heav'nly love abiding, particularly the second verse) and Communion (He shall feed his flock, from Handel's Messiah), while the Entrance and Recessional hymns (At the Lamb's high feast we sing and Crown him with many crowns, respectively) make reference to Christ as the Paschal Lamb.
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Sung Ordinary of the Mass
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Christo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi, 1899-1970).
Memorial Acclamation and Amen: adaptations from the same Mass setting.
The rest...
Entrance hymn: At the Lamb's high feast we sing ("Salzburg"/Pew Missal, #91)
Psalm 118: R./ The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. (BMP) (PDF)
Alleluia O Filii et Filiae (BMP) (PDF)
Offertory hymn: In heav'nly love abiding ("Nyland"/Maroon hymnal, #431)
Communion anthem: He shall feed his flock (from Messiah, George Frederick Handel)
Meditation hymn: Regina caeli (in English and Latin) (Mode VI/in Mass Guide)
Recessional hymn: Crown him with many crowns ("Diademata"/Pew Missal, #119)
Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP
