Jesus is our good shepherd and we are his good sheep!

John 10:1-10

Jesus said to his disciples, "Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he’s up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they aren’t used to the sound of it.”

Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

Food for thought!

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as the Good Shepherd Sunday. On this day, Jesus makes a great revelation of himself and of ourselves. About himself Jesus says: he is the shepherd. About us Jesus is saying that we ave his sheep. As you know, there cannot be a shepherd without sheep, and sheep without a shepherd. One presupposes the other.

What does it mean for you and me to have Jesus as our shepherd? It means that we have someone that knows us very well. In fact, the gospel of today says that Jesus (i) calls his own sheep by name and (2) leads them out. (3) He walks ahead of them; and they follow him, for they recognize his voice. It means that Jesus, our Shepherd, knows each one of us by name; it means that Jesus leads us each single day; it means that Jesus walks ahead of you and me; every where, every time. Even in our darkest of moments. This is what today's responsorial psalm reminds us.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!

Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

This Psalm 23 wasn’t written to be read to you at your funeral. Psalm 23 is read today to bring hope to your soul right now. Please, do note that according to this Psalm "you will have all that you need, even though you think you need more. He will give you rest and peace as He renews your strength and guides you in every way, although you feel weary and lost. He doesn’t want you to be afraid, because He is with you and He will protect and comfort you, even when you continually face fear. Not only that, but He’s taking down your enemies, He’s going to give you the victory over everything that opposes His good plans for your life, even when it appears the enemy is winning and you’re going down. God is going to overflow your life with blessings, and His goodness and unfailing love are going to consume you every single day, even though you might not recognize that it is so. 

There’s nothing to fear. The Psalmist assures us we aren’t forsaken in “the valley,” although it seems like it. There’s the Promise that God is with you, He is your Shepherd, He tends to His sheep, and He will provide and protect you along the way. 

Jesus needed someone to help carry His cross — He’ll help you carry yours. All He asks is to remember him as your shepherd, your Good shepherd." (Chelie Hill).

Happy Mothers' Day!