In our Gospel today Jesus tells us that he is “the Good Shepherd” (see John 10:11-18). A good shepherd will lay down his own life for his sheep, unlike a “hired man” in the same field who would likely abandon the sheep at the first sight of danger. The sheep will listen to the voice of the shepherd and they will follow him with trust, because they know him well. The sheep somehow understand that the shepherd will never abandon them, and they know that they will always be safe if they are faithful to his lead. Jesus tells us: “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me” (see John 10:14).
As I was reflecting on this Gospel, I thought about all those people in my life whom I have trusted in order to feel secure. I think most would agree, and isn’t it true, that many people in our lives are like good shepherds to us? Perhaps they have been our parents, who have always guided us to do the right thing, and who have helped us to become good people and productive members of society. They may have been our close friends, who have always been there for us in good and in bad times. Or maybe they have been our teachers, or those who are ministers in the church, and they have effectively shared their knowledge and/or the truths of the faith with us. We need such men and women in our lives in order that we ourselves might become better people and to be as happy as possible in this life!
But Jesus also warns us today that some of those who are supposed to shepherd us and to guide us are in fact not at all dependable or trustworthy. These people will flee from us as soon as there is trouble or when we are facing some situation and/or issue in our lives that may be difficult to endure. Jesus tells us that these people “see a wolf coming and leave the sheep and run away” (see John 10:12). In the Gospel today, Jesus compares such people to the undependable “hired man.” We might have known people like this in our own lives. Perhaps they were those who claimed to be our friends, but who abandoned us as soon as they realized we needed some kind of help, or when we had some kind of difficulty, or because we had an uncomfortable situation to resolve. Maybe they were people whom we unfortunately encountered, and who may have damaged us in far more sinister ways. Surely such people would never give their lives in order to save us!
Today, as we come together to celebrate our faith in Jesus, the Good Shepherd, may we continue to trust that he will always protect and guide us–that he will never abandon us, nor hurt us in any way! May we always also have the wisdom to discern well between those who, like Jesus, truly are our “good shepherds,” and those who are more like the unfaithful “hired man” mentioned in today’s Gospel.
With gratitude for all the positive men and women in our lives, let’s also embrace our own responsibility to share in Jesus’ mission–and to care for and to bring the faith to others. As we continue to celebrate this Easter Season, may we be grateful that we have a Good Shepherd who has not only promised never to abandon us, but who has also given his life for us. As Jesus promises to be with us and protect us always, may we likewise promise to support those who share our faith and our common identity as members of his flock.
Christ is Risen, Truly, He is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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