I am the Good Shepherd.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday

25 April 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 4:8-12

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

Second Reading:  1 JN 3:1-2

Gospel:  JN 10:11-18

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

 

"A good shepherd lays down his life  for the sheep."

 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He knows each and every one of us. And He already laid down His life for us, His sheep. That's how much God loves us. He sent us His Son to save us from our sins. Sheep are mentioned more than 200 times in the Bible, more than any other animal. Sheep are important sources of wool, milk, and meat, and throughout the Bible, sheep served as symbol of God's people. Jesus is portrayed as the shepherd of His chosen flock in the prophetic words of Isaiah and Ezekiel, and most famously in the 23rd Psalm, all in which belongs to the Good Shepherd.

 

Sheep are followers. And as the sheep of our Good Shepherd, Jesus, we ought to follow Him closely so we don't get lost. Following isn't something sheep have to think—about it's an instinct. Sheep remember faces. They recognized faces of other sheep and even of humans who work with them regularly. They are almost human, because sheep remember who treats them well—and even more, they remember who handles them harshly. Sheep find safety in numbers, and when grazing, sheep will keep at least 4-5 other sheep in view. They are very social and extroverted animals, for they do not do well alone, and they value supporting each other by sticking together at all costs. A lost sheep is critical because they do not do well alone. And Jesus cares that we do not get lost from His gaze because without Jesus our life will surely be a mess and empty.

Jesus is the true shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd who was willing to die for those who put their faith in Him. Any other person  who claims to be the true shepherd is a robber or a thief, for they are a false shepherd. Imagine a world where people do not expect to be served but are all eager to serve and care for one another! Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares, watches, and protects those who believe in Him. This is a wonderful message for anyone who seeks peace with God.

To be in a Lord's flock is to be in a life-changing, transformative relationship with the Lord. To know the Lord our Good Shepherd is to see our life changed by that very relationship. It is to know the voice of Jesus and be able to distinguish it from others, so that in all things God may be glorified.

Let me close with these beautiful verses from Psalm 23:

The LORD is my shepherd;

I have everything I need

He lets me rest in fields of green grass

and leads me to quiet pools of water

He gives me new strength

He guides me in the right paths as He has promised

Even if I go through the deepest darkness

I will not be afraid Lord for You are with me

Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me

You prepare a banquet for me where all my enemies can see me

You welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim

I know that Your goodness and love will be with me all my life

And your house will be my home as long as I live.

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Good Shepherd who will always be there to guide and protect us. Even if we face the greatest trials and pain and suffering, we know You will always be there to carry us and go through our dark valley. Give us the grace Lord to remain steadfast and increase our faith, hope, and trust in You. Help us to continue to love and serve You in others especially during this pandemic. All this I pray, in Your Mighty Name. Amen.