Shepherds Feeding Sheep: 4th Sunday of Easter

In the gospel of St. John, there are seven “I am” statements that answers the question on who Jesus is. We hear of one of the most common in Jesus describing himself as the “Good shepherd”. What constitutes being the “Good Shepherd”?

First, a shepherd tends to his flock. He feeds his sheep. He lays down his life for them when wolves and other predators seek to devour them. In the case of Christ, he would lay down his life for his apostles, followers, and for all of us, so we can be free from the slavery of sin.

Second, Jesus talks about knowing his sheep while they know him. He is not referring to literal sheep. Rather, it pertains to his followers. He feeds them the word of God, heals them, and offers spiritual direction for those who seek it.

Through Christ, he shows us that is the “good” shepherd. This “good” shepherd is the one who loves. He doesn’t just express it through a feeling or idea. He puts love into action. He puts it well when he said, “This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

Today, our society calls upon the clergy to lead the Catholic flock to the heavenly banquet through the dark valley. These bishops are under constant attack from the evil one who will stop at nothing to ensure he scatters the flock in order to devour their souls. A true shepherd of the lord would stand into the breach. A true shepherd would offer the true food from God to the flock that starves for his truth.

Never forget to pray for your bishops and priests. To paraphrase St. Teresa of Avila, there is a demon fighting for a priest and bishop’s fall. If we have the language to criticize them, we must have twice as much to pray for them.