Good Shephard Sunday — A Reflection By Ralph Iskaros

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The Church also
designates it as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We pray that many will hear and discern God’s voice calling them to serve Him and His people in the world, be moved, and respond to the call to take religious vows.

Sheep herding seems like an occupation for bygone generations. Yet this image of a shepherd and his sheep is not foreign to most. Somehow, we know the characteristics of sheep and shepherds. We acknowledge that in today’s Gospel, Jesus is the shepherd, and we are His sheep. Our image of sheep is that they can be docile, mild-mannered, and cuddly. They are also vulnerable, defenseless, and not very intelligent. Sheep are needy animals that rely on their shepherd to guide them daily to green pastures and still waters safely. While being compared to sheep is not flattering, we must admit that the comparison is fitting. We are often weak when facing temptations. We are often distracted by things that grab our attention and make us lose our way. Promises and commitments we make are too many times abandoned or forgotten. We need Jesus in front of us to lead us, at our side when facing difficulties, and behind us to ensure we don’t go astray.

“Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, leading the ewes with care.” (Isaiah 40:11). People in Jesus’ time were familiar with the concept of being sheep with God the shepherd. The Lord is my Shepherd, Psalm 23, quickly comes to mind, but there were many other references in the Old Testament. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way.” (Isaiah 53:6); “My people have been lost sheep. ” (Jeremiah 50:6) and other mentions in the books of Genesis, Chronicles, Proverbs, Ezekiel, Micah, and Zechariah. Now Jesus is proclaiming to be the Good Shepherd. Jesus is not a mere caretaker and leader; but also, God. Sometimes, we tend to tame who Jesus is when we think of Him as a brother or friend; after all, He is God’s Son, and we are God’s adopted children. Jesus is our brother and friend, but we must also acknowledge His divinity. Here’s what we believe: “The Church thus confesses that Jesus is inseparably true God and true man. He is truly the Son of God who, without ceasing to be God and Lord, became a man and our brother.” (Catechism §469).

So let us thank God for His love and mercy because it doesn’t matter how far we stray, how deep we fall, or how often we stumble; we are reminded that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, did not come to condemn us; He came to save us and He calls us to follow His example and serve God’s people with love, compassion, humility, and self-sacrifice. When Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter answered, “Lord, you know I love you.” Then Jesus directed, “Tend my sheep.”

Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.