Brothers and Sisters,

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Easter Season. The name of the Sunday derives from the gospel reading for this Sunday, John 10:1-10, which presents Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" who lays down his life for his sheep. The good shepherd is described as a caring shepherd who knows, loves and leads the sheep and lays down his life for them. The image of the shepherd appealed to the listeners of Jesus and to the early Christians. Sheep and shepherd shared an intimate and lifelong relationship. This was a good and readily understood image which described the bond between Jesus and his followers.

Our good shepherd, Jesus, in laying down his life for us, secured our safety and our salvation. Let us look to this good shepherd for direction and follow his direction! “I am the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep,” says Jesus. What an amazing relationship between disciples and their master!!!  How awesome it is that we have become cherished and prized objects of divine diligence, vigilance and sacrifice!!!

Shepherds of Israel had a close, intimate and lifelong relationship with the sheep. Their closeness made them smell like the sheep. They could easily be recognized as shepherds and that is a challenge for the modern leaders and ministers. Will the leaders and ministers of today be recognized as disciples of Jesus? Will their presence disseminate a Christian fragrance? Will their speech and actions add a Christian flavor to modern culture? Their presence will definitely make a difference if they nurture an intimate relationship with Christ.

Shepherds of Israel were attentive, vigilant and watchful. And that is the challenge of all leaders and ministers of the modern world whether they are parents or teachers or ministers or leaders in government - they must be attentive, vigilant and watchful. It takes watchfulness to care well for those entrusted to our care, to teach sound doctrine, healthy values and morals, and to develop noble friendships and relationships. It takes watchfulness to enable others to discover and correct their mistakes. It takes watchfulness to help others, especially our children, watch their lives - their career choices, moral decisions, parenting skills, spiritual disciplines, etc. It takes watchfulness to guide their conduct - their doctrines, moral standards and their views of the Church, of God and of the world.

To read more of this Sunday’s reflection, please click on the links below….