Today we are reminded that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, committed to caring for his sheep through every danger, difficulty, and trauma. He told his disciples that he would lay down his life for his sheep. Indeed, this is really what he did. By laying down his life for our sins, he conquered death and raises us to eternal life with him. Let us allow the Risen Lord to guide us to the pasture of salvation.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, willing to lay down his life for the sheep. He tells his disciples that he received this command from the Father. So too have we been called to die to our own selves to raise up the lives of others, whether sacrificing our time and energy to care for a young child, an aging parent, a loved one who is ill, or a friend in need. In doing so we are entrusting our lives to the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for us and takes up our lives with his to eternal salvation.
John tells us that we are God’s children. Children are formed by their parents, perhaps genetically, perhaps by the way they were raised, perhaps by the influence of their parents personality and character. So too we are formed by God, made in God’s image, cared for by God, and influenced by our understanding of God. Jesus put the Father’s will first, obedient to the end. As we recite in the Lord’s Prayer, we too pray that we do the will of the Father in the way that we live our lives.
This is Good Shepherd Sunday and World Day of Prayers for Vocations. We have all received a vocation, a calling, through the waters of baptism. Some are called to the single life, and some to married life, and there are vocations within a vocation e.g. teacher, police officer, plumber, electrician, and numerous others. Our special concern is the shortage of lay minsters, religious, deacons, and priests for service of God and his church. And so we pray that the harvest master will send laborers into the fields. Support, encourage, and invite those around you who you feel would be good candidates.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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