THE GOOD SHEPHERD IMPLIES ALSO THE GOOD SHEEP
One thing that is obvious celebrating the good shepherd Sunday is that the imagery of the Christ the Good Shepherd implies the image of loyal and good sheep. Traditionally, the fourth Sunday after Easter is called the Good Shepherd Sunday and it is also the “World Day of Prayer for Vocations. When we pray priestly for and religious vocations, as well as for martial life since the good shepherd role is also in the family.
Fundamentally, each year on this Sunday, we reflect on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who devotedly and kindly takes care of his flock. The title “pastor” means shepherd. A shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects his flock. These are the responsibilities that belong to all Church leaders, parents, civil leaders, and all who are in charge of others.
WHY THE GOOD SHEPHERD CELEBRATION?
Though the imagery of the good shepherd is old, the message is topical and relevant to us here and now.
Jesus Christ as a good shepherd gave his life for his sheep, knew them personally and take almost care of them passionately. He does these without hidden motives or personal interests like the hired man. John 10:11-18
Hence, in a divide and rule world, where the fundamental principles of governance are divisions, segregation and discrimination. The Good Shepherd theme of this Sunday does not only challenge us to the unity of one flock as God´s family but also to respond as a shepherd or as a sheep.
OUR THEME
The readings of today illustrate to us the leadership role of the good shepherd to his flock or sheep. They do not only elaborate on the good roles of the shepherd but also the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep.
The readings did not only tell us of the good qualities of the shepherd. They show us also that a Shepherd is not. he does not fleece, milk or feed on your sheep or practices any form of priest-crafting on them, but laid down his life for their well-being, prosperity and abundance.
Celebrating the good shepherd invites and challenges our role as shepherd or sheep in the sheepfold of Christ. The shepherding challenges call on us to examine:
1) Are you a true shepherd who care, guide, love and sacrifice your time, talent and self for the sheep in your charge?
2) How is your collaboration as sheep with the shepherd in charge of you in the church, society, families and groups?
FIRST READING: ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 13: 14. 43-52
In Acts 13: 14. 43-52, Paul and Barnabas opted to listen to the voice of Jesus the Good Shepherd and follow him, and like their Master, they were rebuffed and rejected when they tried to share the good news of salvation.
Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and made an impact; a great deal and characteristic of the Good Shepherd who sometimes must stand against institutionalized evil in the name of God must endure persecution, conspiracy, and rejection amidst sacrifices with joy and gladness in the consolation of the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:14, 43-52
PSALM 99 OR 100
Today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 100) reminds us that “…the Lord is God: He made us, His we are – His people, the flock He tends.” This invites us to the attitude of trust and dependence on God.
SECOND READING: REVELATION 7: 9. 14-17
The book of Revelation 7: 9. 14-17, depicts Jesus as both the glorified Lamb and the Shepherd. A vision of inclusion of all nations, races, languages, and people; a vision of victory through the Immaculate Lamb and a vision of care, comfort and strength of the Good Shepherd.
A good shepherd is not limited to his kind alone, but to every nation; to all tribes, races, people and languages. He is a unifying centre and not a source of dissension among the led. Equally, he knows and sees his flock through the great ordeal of life to rest, an abundance of pasture, springs of reposeful water and above all wipe every tear, pain, hardship and suffering from their eyes.
THE GOSPEL: JOHN 10: 27-30
The Gospel John 10: 27-30 offers us both comfort and a great challenge. The comforting message is that no one can snatch the sheep out of His Father’s hands. The challenge is that pastors and laypeople alike should be good shepherds to those entrusted to their care.
For Jesus, there is an undefinable connection between a shepherd and his sheep – one that is personal, respectful, understanding, loving, interdependent, protective, mutual, and fraternal as well as committed to service and faithfulness.
THE ROLE OF A GOOD SHEPHERD
The shepherd´s job in the steep and narrow plateau of Judea with the ground dipped sharply down to the craggy deserts was a very strenuous one.
1. First, he has to look for greener pastures, water, and safe zones to keep the sheep safe so they do not wander away.
2. He has to guide and protect the sheep from dangerous animals like wolves and hyenas howling day and night to attack, scatter, and kill the sheep.
3. There is also the human danger of thieves and robbers always ready to steal the sheep and sometimes attack the shepherd.
4. There is a total and complete self-giving of the shepherd to the welfare of the sheep not for gain, but self-sacrifice, constant, unceasing vigilance, fearless courage, and patient love for his flock.
Equally, the concept of a good shepherd or good pastor implies also the notion of good sheep and good followers, who must identify, know, and follow the shepherd or pastor.
THE TWO IMPLICATIONS: LET US BECOME
1. Good shepherds and good leaders: pastors, parents, teachers, doctors, nurses, and government by knowing and loving those entrusted to us, praying for them, spending our time and talents for their welfare, and guarding them against physical and spiritual dangers.
2. Good sheep, and good followers: parishioners, children, students, patients, and citizens by
a. hearing and following the voice of our shepherds through their homilies, Bible classes, counselling and advice
b. receiving the spiritual food our pastors provide by regular participation in the Holy Mass, frequenting the Sacraments and attending prayer services, renewal programs and missions
c. cooperating with our pastors by giving them positive suggestions for the welfare of the parish, encouraging them in their duties, lovingly offering them constructive criticism when they are found misbehaving or failing in their duties and praying for them
d. cooperating with our fellow parishioners in the activities of various councils, ministries and parish associations.
Finally, let us pray for vocations to priestly, religious life and marital life so that we may have more good shepherds to lead, feed and protect the Catholic community tomorrow.
A GOOD PASTOR
By implication, Christ as a Good Shepherd is a Model of shepherd or pastor of souls. A good pastor, priest or presbyter: –
1. Have a personal, not professional relationship with his flock
2. Gives or lays down his life sacrificially for his flock without living on them or exploiting them or counting the cost or pain.
3. Know his flock personally and guide them on the right path Ps. 23
4. He is soft and tender towards the rebelling sheep and cares for them like the obedient ones.
5. Look after the general wellbeing of his flock and ensure their security and safety.
6. His calling is voluntary/a true vocation, not a necessity to survive professionally.
7. He lives an exemplary life for the flock to follow in his steps.
8. he leads and guides the sheep with truth, honesty and firmness and not with a conformities attitude.
As today we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we need to ask ourselves two important questions:
1. Am I a faithful member of God’s flock? Only those sheep who follow the guidance of the shepherd could ever hope to arrive at the green pastures or be safe from the ravenous wolves.
2. How could I participate more closely in the work of shepherding God’s flock? Bishops and pastors, as well as Sunday school teachers and ushers – all participate in various forms of shepherding God’s flock. How can I be a better shepherd in my state, reaching out with understanding and compassion to the weak and misguided dropouts of church and society, so that through me they may hear the loving voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
Finally, Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd brings us to the reality of him as our only security of life and soul from the evil ones or impostors who pose as the shepherd but come to steal, kill, and destroy the sheep.
The caution for us is to be careful and vigilant because there are a lot of people who pose as shepherds but in the real sense are wolves in sheep’s clothing.
while we pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, religious life and marital life, the foundation of all vocations, we must acknowledge that the call to be shepherd goes beyond the mere functional role as priests, religions, parents or leaders of societies, groups or states.
It is a call of sacrifices to serve, to know, to love, protect, guide, secure, commit and provide for those in our care and not the other way round of feeding, exploiting and surviving on them with ostentatious living and lifestyle in the name of booming ministry.
Help us to understand and take to heart that a true shepherd is the poor one like Christ your Son, who has no place to lay his head, yet gave in all to enrich his flock in grace and wellbeing.
OUR PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, as a Good Shepherd did not fleece, milk or feed on your sheep or practice any form of priest-crafting on them, but laid down your life for their well-being, prosperity and abundance. Help us to be a true shepherd and responsible sheep in the sheepfold of the human society, Church, family and group. Amen.
