In this Sunday’s “Good Shepherd” gospel, Jesus speaks of a flock in which all are embraced and none are excluded. Pope Francis was instrumental in helping the U.S. and Cuba move beyond the exclusionary rhetoric of the Cold War and into a closer relationship. He announced Wednesday a stop in Cuba on his way to the United States when he visits in September. After overseeing the final talks in Rome in October that brought the nations together, Francis said, "We are all happy because we have seen how two peoples, who were far apart for many years, yesterday took a step to get closer."

Homily hint: With so much division in the world, anything that brings erstwhile enemies closer together and lowers the level of antagonism in our conflicted world is to be applauded. Closer U.S.-Cuban relations are bound to improve human rights in the long run. May peace and cooperation be the new order of the day. 

For more on the pope’s visit to Cuba, see: Pope Francis to stop in Cuba en route to U.S., Vatican announces

The world is mistaken about the church, just as it was about the revelation of Jesus, the reading from 1 John this Sunday asserts. A day after saying that progressive champion Sen. Elizabeth Warren was mistaken to oppose fast-track legislation to expedite a Pacific trade pact, President Obama Wednesday confronted a widening rift with his Democratic base that threatens the trade deal’s passage. The White House and Republicans have formed an unusual alliance in favor of putting the proposed 12-nation trade deal to an up-or-down vote without amendments, but many Democrats oppose the fast-track approach.

Homily hint: Free trade agreements are good for business, but they also need to protect the rights of laborers and protect the environment. Finding the right balance requires open and free dialogue and goodwill on all sides. Catholic social teachings provide a basis for some of the values that must be protected.

For more on the Pacific trade pact, see: Democratic Fissures Appear in Pacific Trade Pact

Peter falls under suspicion with Jewish authorities in this Sunday’s first reading for curing a crippled man. Vaccines that have prevented crippling diseases in children for decades have lately fallen under suspicion thanks to unfounded internet rumors about their supposed risks. But a bill that would require nearly all children in California to be vaccinated by eliminating “personal belief” exemptions advanced through the state legislature on Wednesday. If approved, California would become one of only three states that require all parents to vaccinate their children as a condition of going to school, unless there is a medical reason not to do so.

Homily hint: The common good sometimes has to come before “personal choice.” We can’t “choose” to run red lights because to do so would clearly put others at risk. Choosing not to have children vaccinated based on bad science puts every child at risk. Let’s take a broader view of social responsibility.

For more on vaccination requirements, see: Bill Requiring Vaccination of Children Advances in California, but Hurdles Remain

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes,” opines the psalmist, raising issues of trust and skepticism this Sunday. President Obama on Wednesday paid his first visit to the Everglades, delivering an Earth Day speech that targeted Republican skeptics of global warning by pointing out the threat rising seas pose to the imperiled River of Grass and South Florida’s drinking water. His choice of a venue, Everglades National Park, also was clearly calculated to make political points against Republicans who question whether climate change is man-made, despite significant scientific scholarship concluding that it is largely a result of carbon emissions.

Homily hint: A clean and healthy environment should not be a partisan issue. Yes, it involves trade-offs and sacrifices, but who among us can deny we could do better on environmental issues? Do your small part as an act of good stewardship.

For more on Earth Day, see: Obama in Everglades: Threats from climate change ‘can’t be edited out’ of conversation

“Learning the art of discernment will go a long way in helping our children make wise choices. Our role as Catholic parents is to help facilitate that process by promoting what Pope John Paul II called a ‘culture of vocation’ within our families.”

Help your children make wise choices

For World Day of Prayer for Vocations (Sunday, April 26)

Globally, 20 percent of the world's people in the highest-income countries account for 86 percent of total private consumption expenditures—the poorest 20 percent a minuscule 1.3 percent.

UN Development Program, via Ministry with the poor