4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, B

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THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD SHEPHERD



Often we imagine shepherds as sweet and meek caretakers of the sheep.  Maybe it is because our first encounter with the shepherds is through the Nativity story, as they saw the angels and went in haste to adore the Christ Child.

In this 4th Sunday of Easter, we reflect on the image of the Good Shepherd (Jn 10: 11-18). Jesus calls himself the good shepherd, and for a good reason. He is the perfect shepherd of the flock, possessing the qualities needed to care for and protect his own.

A shepherd must be first, a strong and courageous man. You cannot be a shepherd if you are a weakling. Remember that in the Old Testament, David as a shepherd killed lions as part of his work as shepherd. Jesus says there are shepherds who run away when the wolf is coming. These are not true shepherds for they fear for their life and expose their flock to danger.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he knew how to lay down his own life that his sheep may continue to live and live meaningfully.

A shepherd must also be gentle to the flock.  If the shepherd is hard on the wolf, the shepherd must be close and familiar to his sheep. It is amazing that the sheep really listen to the voice of their shepherd and obey him.  Instinctively, they know that the shepherd is their friend.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads the flock. He knows his sheep in a personal way and guides each one according to its need.

Today, we have shepherds in the person of people who lead us in the church, in government and in the home.  Are our shepherds courageous in defending the sheep?  Are our shepherds gentle in leading the weak? Let us pray that the Lord will send us shepherds after the heart of his Son, Jesus Christ.

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