FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, C
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A GOOD SHEPHERD IS
RARE
Rarely do we see carabaos these
days except in far-flung areas from the city, where they are also becoming
scarce. A youtube video showed the close bond between a carabao and his
farmer-owner, which was at first so inspiring. They farmer feeds, bathes, keeps
safe his animal. The carabao in turn, works the fields. It gives milk to the
family. It pulls the cart which is the family’s mode of transportation. It is
like a member of the family, a provider for the family, a loyal friend.
It is so tempting to envision
that when a carabao is old, the farmer releases it from its yoke and allows it
to die in peace in the stable. But no, when the carabao is old and useless, the
farmer drags him to the slaughterhouse, sells it to butchers, and makes a final
profit from his animal’s toil and loyalty.
We are warned when we read any
mention of shepherds in the Bible that not all shepherds are meek, pious souls.
They are experienced laborers in the wilderness and so they are rough,
mischievous, often inclined to violence among themselves. Shepherds, like carabao owners, can
seem inseparable from the flock. But remember that the flock is not their pets.
Shepherds are businessmen, owners who make a living out of the flock and make
profit from their livestock. They
did not become shepherds to feed our imagination of loving, caring, tender
animal-advocates!
That is why the Good Shepherd
stands out among the rest of the shepherds. Unexpectedly, he develops an
affection for sheep and thinks only of their welfare. While other shepherds,
like carabao owners, think of how to make profit from every fiber of their
animals, the Good Shepherd reverses the attitude. He does not expect the flock
to sustain him. He offers his life to protect and nurture his flock. Seems
impractical and unthinkable!
The gospel today (Jn 10: 27-30) says that the
Good Shepherd is over-protective of the flock, so that “no one can take” a
single sheep “from his hand.” This
is the attitude that only the Good Shepherd, only Jesus, possesses. From it, we
can see how loving, merciful, solicitous, caring and devoted the Good Shepherd
it. And this attitude reflects the heart of the Father himself who Jesus says,
does not allow anyone to take the sheep from his hand. Truly in commitment to
the flock, the Father and the Lord Jesus are one!
Can we be good shepherds to
others, too? In our families, schools, offices, factories, parishes and
neighborhoods, can we love like Jesus and the Father? In this election period,
can we choose candidates who can be good shepherds for our nation?
