Bernhard Plockhorst [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
“The
Shepherd calls His own sheep by name…
and
the sheep follow Him because they recognize His voice.”
The image of
Jesus as the Good Shepherd is a comforting one. In today’s readings, Jesus
tells His disciples that He is both the shepherd and the gate; He is both the
way to life and the source of all nourishment and protection. He calls each of
us by name, and leads His little flock to verdant pastures, to rest beside
tranquil waters that bring refreshment to our souls.
Because of His
great love for us, Jesus desires to be the “shepherd and guardian of your
souls.” The Good Shepherd protects us
from harm and gives us courage; He spreads the banquet table of the Eucharist before
us and anoints us with the oil of blessing, so that we “might have life and
have it more abundantly.”
What does it
mean to be part of Jesus’s flock? To know that He loves us so much He will even
lay down His life in our defense? Sheep possess no natural means of defense.
They are simple creatures who must depend completely upon their shepherd, the
one whose voice they recognize, the one they trust.
Let us also
listen for the voice of Jesus calling our names; let us follow Him faithfully,
depend on Him completely, and trust in Him always. He will provide all that we
need.
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