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In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus' words fully resonate; he is the Shepherd, He is the one who calls us by name and opens the door to enter the new pastures of His Kingdom so that "we may have true life and have it to the full". For the first believers, Jesus is not only a shepherd, but the true and authentic shepherd.
This image of Jesus is, moreover, one of the most widely accepted in Christianity. In fact, it is striking that, in some very ancient catacombs, where the first images of Jesus are found, he is represented as the Good Shepherd, carrying a sheep around his neck.
The shepherd was the individual who spent most of his life with his sheep. It was his responsibility to protect and guide the sheep.
The shepherd's life was one of constant movement. It was also a life of solitude. The shepherd was committed to caring for each and every sheep. Usually, the shepherd had a very strong bond with his sheep, and in a way, the sheep became the shepherd's family. They were his constant companions. The sheep would only follow the voice of their shepherd. They would not follow anyone else. The bond between the shepherd and the sheep was very strong and real.
Jesus is our shepherd. Jesus stays with us no matter what. He is committed to take care of us and guide us. Jesus comes and finds us when we are lost and afraid, and he will keep looking for us until he finds us.
Today we can take time to thank Jesus for loving us so deeply. Let us also thank Jesus for his tender care and protection.
Jesus is our shepherd; we can depend on him always! Jesus continues to have a close and intimate relationship with us. He intends to protect his flock, he guides us and leads us to safety and stability and eternal life. Like a Good Shepherd, he listens.
Our interaction with Jesus, through prayerful communication, enables us to deepen our relationship with him. Our unique relationship with God should give us confidence that he understands us, that our opinion is important, that he hears our concerns, This week, perhaps we can pray especially for those who, for whatever reason, may feel lost and without the protection of the shepherd they once knew. We also remember those who are looking for a flock in which to make their home.
May the Lord, our Good Shepherd, be with us always, and may he bring the strength of his love to all of us, his beloved flock and sheep, that we may all abide in his love, and continue to love him forever. Amen.
The Reverend Rafael Garcia
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