The Good Shepherd [April 29, 2012]

 

The Sunday Gospel [April 29, 2012]

John 10:11-18

11I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.13This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.14I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.16I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.17This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.This command I have received from my Father.” 

  

Reflection

“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me.” ~ Jesus in v. 14

Jesus is indeed the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for us, knows each one of us by name, and gathers the lost even as he brings new members into the flock.

Where the flock is, there is the Shepherd. The flock may be in difficult terrain, experiencing terrible storms or be attacked by predators. Still the Good shepherd is with them. If we know of someone who is looking for the Good shepherd, invite him or her to the flock, to the Church. Here they will find restful waters and refreshment for the soul. Whether they are on a cliff or in a valley, here they will find the Lord’s rod and staff to give them courage. Here they will find the table of the Lord and the anointing of the Spirit. Here they will find the entry way to dwelling in the Lord’s house forever.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has bound himself to his flock forever. Join the flock and the Shepherd will embrace you. Embrace the Shepherd and you will join the flock. The flock and the Shepherd, the Lord and his Church are one for good!

Reflection Credits: Rev. S. Joseph Krempa, Captured Fire, excerpts

Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).