Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,
Good morning to all. May the risen Christ bless you with peace, joy and protection.
This fourth Sunday is called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus often used the imagery of shepherds and sheep to show his care for others. The imagery is old but the message is still relevant to us.
In our first reading, Peter testified through his miracle and testimony that Jesus is actually the good shepherd who cares for his flock. It is His wish to heal us. So as a Shepherd, he is with us at all time. He watches over us and guides through the paths of life. He cares of us. Whenever we call upon Christ our good shepherd in faith, he hears and answer us according to the purpose of his will. There is power, salvation, healing in the name of the risen Christ, our Good Shepherd. He walks with us and care for us daily.
Our seconding reading presents us with one very important attribute of Christ the Good Shepherd. That is, love. John reminds us of this: “Behold the great love that the father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God.” The only love comparable to the love of the good shepherd is the love of a mother for her baby (Is 49:15). Christ demonstrated this love for us by offering his life as a sacrifice and ransom for our salvation.
In today’s gospel from John, Jesus tells us: “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep” (Jn 11: 14). The good shepherd knows and takes care of his flock. A good shepherd is readily available for his flock. He is ready to make sacrifices for their good. On the other hand, a good flock listens to its shepherd. It obeys his instructions and follows him with trust and confidence. In other words, there must be a good relationship and understanding between a good shepherd and his flock.
The celebration of Christ the Good Shepherd today reminds us that we are shepherds, as well as flocks. This is because each one of us is occupying one leadership position or the other. So, who is a good shepherd and where can we find one? We find one, in every good mother or father, in an honest president or governor, in a holy and caring priest. We can find a good Shepherd in every humble and God-fearing youth, in a caring brother or sister, and in every just and respectful police officer. Where there is a caring doctor, a dedicated teacher, a good cook, cleaner or gardener, there is a good shepherd.
Finally, He accepted suffering and death in order to save his flock. Christ the good shepherd is our role model of love and care. If we obediently continue to listen to him, and to follow him, he will lead us safely to our destination in heaven.
Have a Happy and Joyful Sunday!!
Yours Lovingly
Fr. Doss