The fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday and coincides with the Word Day of Prayer for Vocations. On this Sunday, we remember those who have professed by lives of service to reflect in their ministry the care of the Good Shepherd. Chief among these are the bishops, the priests and deacons. We also remember during this day those who are presenting themselves to the Church as possible candidates for the ministry of the priesthood, shepherds according to the heart of the Lord. Today, we reflect on John 10, the classic text about the Good Shepherd and we pray that those who act as shepherds in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) may truly become signs of the love and care of the Good Shepherd for us.
Relevant Articles
1. The Good Shepherd knows his own and is known by them (Jn. 10:14). The phrase "my own" (in Greek, the adjectival form for "mine") has the meaning "what I hold dear". Modern translations supply a noun for the adjective here as in other places. Here, the noun "sheep" is supplied on the basis of the context.
Reflect. You, by your baptism, has become Christ's own and are therefore held by him as someone "dear" to himself. Just hold this idea for awhile and think: If you are dear to the Lord, how should you regard yourself? And how should you regard Him?
2. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his own. This he did on the cross when he took upon himself the wages of sin though he himself was sinless and drank the cup of divine wrath that was meant for us.
Reflect. Easter is the feast where we remember the new life that the Lord has given us through the waters of Baptism. By his death and resurrection, he claims us as his own. Consider your own baptism: what value do you give it in your life?
3. Psalm 23 helps us interiorize what we have read about the Good Shepherd. Read the psalm slowly and make it your own prayer to the Good Shepherd.
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures:
he leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul:
he leads me along the paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.4 Indeed, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for You are with me;
Your rod, Your staff they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies:
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Reflect. The Good Shepherd wants only what is good for his own. How do you propose to show your gratitude to Him who claims you for his own?
