Good Shepherd Sunday

The story is told of a farmer who had just rescued a lost sheep. When asked how the sheep got lost, the farmer replied, "They just nibble themselves lost. They go from one tuft of grass to another, until at last they've lost their way." Isn’t that what happens in our life? We nibble away at life with little purpose or direction, until it's gone and we have no idea where it went. And when we are lost, we need a shepherd to lead us back. Sometimes this Sunday is called Good Shepherd Sunday. Though the proclamation from John’s gospel is a mere four verses long, it has quite an impact on our relationship with Jesus. With our technologically savvy society, some of the imagery from agriculture in Jesus’ time and day can get lost. But there is much insight in the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep. Sheep are an animal that symbolizes honor. Much as a man who suffers in silence, who maintains his integrity and who complains not is seen as an honorable man, so too, is the image of a sheep. While being shorn or even being prepared for slaughter, the sheep remains silent and does not cry. The sheep relies on the shepherd. They, too, are also considered noble and honorable figures. Psalm 23 – probably the most popular and well known of the psalms – accents God as a shepherd. Jesus aligns Himself with this imagery of God as the Good Shepherd. Today’s gospel highlights three honorable activities: the shepherd knows his sheep very well and not like a hireling who could care less; he keeps them safe from violent attack and the Noble Shepherd, Jesus, give His followers life everlasting. Our Shepherd – Jesus – offers Himself for us. He provides us with the sustenance we need to have life – and life in abundance. As this Easter season unfolds before us, we are invited to consider the abundant blessings and gifts our God has given us through Jesus and His Spirit.

Msgr. Mike