Cycle B - Year II:

22 April 2018: Fourth Sunday of Easter

(Liturgical Color: White)

Readings:

First Reading: Acts 4:8-12

Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2

Gospel:Please Read John 10:11-18

Jesus, the Good Shepherd!

Great leaders inspire their people to reach higher, dream bigger, and achieve greater. Leaders provide inspiration. And if they inspire others to reach for the stars, they just might bring back the moon!

These are powerful words to describe a great leader.

On the fourth Sunday of the Easter season, the liturgy inspires us with the timely message about what a leader should be in the image of our Lord as the Good Shepherd. Of the many titles of Jesus, the most consoling and reassuring perhaps is that of the Good Shepherd.

It is the Lord Himself who claims that title (Jn 10:11) The image of the Good Shepherd effectively conveys His divine solicitude and concern for His people, and foster in them the spirit of trust and confidence.

Let us understand the significance of the Gospel narratives. Shepherding was the main occupation of people during the time of our Lord Jesus. Hence, the imagery of a "Good Shepherd" relates to the practical realities of the daily living of people at that time.

However, in our country shepherding may be alien to our consciousness because it is generally agriculture and farming that is the traditional livelihood of people. Nonetheless, we can reflect on the qualities of a good shepherd and the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep to remind us how to properly exercise authority and leadership.

A depiction of our Lord Jesus as a shepherd carrying a sheep on His shoulders summarizes well the shepherd's sacrifice. For he takes the sheep's burden as his own and spends himself in bring the sheep to safety and green pasture.

Thus, in a general sense "good shepherd" is an image that implies someone who gives caring, compassionate leadership. A good shepherd walks in front of the sheep and the sheep follow the shepherd freely; they are not driven or coerced.

So what can shepherding teach us about God and our relationship with Him?

The Scriptures describe God as the shepherd who brings security and peace to His people. Just as the shepherd keeps watch over his sheep and protects them from danger, so our Lord Jesus stands watch over His people and the Shepherd and Guardian of souls.

We can use the imagery of the Good Shepherd to guide us in choosing our leaders, too. We should support, and elect, only those leaders who by their own examples of caring, compassionate leadership, love and respect for human life can truly lead us to be a God-fearing nation.

The second point in our reflection speaks also about our Church leaders. This is timely as this year we proclaim the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. Christ Himself gives a succinct definition of the Good Shepherd, and therefore of every priest: the Good Shepherd "lays down his life for the sheep." (Jn 10:11) Take note, he lays down his life. It is not just his possession, time, energy or talent, but in fact his very life. Thus, priestly service of Christ's flock cannot be a part-time job or piece-meal giving of one's self. It needs and demands total commitment. As the representative of the Good Shepherd Himself, a priest must possess the willingness, and even the instinct, to sacrifice for his people, when needed.

This Sunday is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Let us implore the Lord to send committed and dedicated "shepherds of souls" in His Church. Let us also pray for our political leaders, that they follow the good examples of the leadership of our Lord Himself, as the Good Shepherd.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!