Good Shepherd Sunday is when we honor Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for and guides us. From this perspective, let’s look at when we are sheep, shepherd, and wolf: sheep when we follow Christ, shepherd when we lead people to Christ, and wolf when we become defenders of the faith and, ultimately, Christ.
As sheep, we are called to be dependent, trustworthy, united, and vulnerable at times. We must be dependent on Jesus for guidance and protection. We can depend on him by surrendering our worries, trusting in his guidance, and seeking his strength in every aspect of our lives. We must always rely on trust, even when it seems impossible. As believers, we are called to trust in God’s wisdom and guidance. As part of a community, sheep often travel in flocks; this reflects the importance of fellowship and community among believers. Prayerfully participating in Mass and becoming involved in our parishes are great ways to share in community life. Sheep can sometimes become vulnerable as they are led astray. We, too, can become vulnerable, but we can find solace in knowing the risen Lord is here to guide us back into his loving fold.
Shepherds are called to lead, care, teach, nurture, and, ultimately, bring people closer to Christ. As shepherds, we lead by example. The examples we set for our children, friends, and coworkers should emulate those that shepherd people closer to Christ. How often do we take the time to care for our fellow man? Caring for people does not have to be some grandiose action; it can simply be sitting with someone, letting them talk, and not judging them for their views. The ultimate role of a shepherd is to bring people closer to Jesus. This means guiding individuals toward deeper relationships with God and helping them experience his love, grace, and presence.
The metaphor of being a wolf and defending God is less common when compared to the imagery of being a sheep or shepherd. However, one could interpret it symbolically, drawing on the characteristics traditionally associated with wolves: protectiveness, strength, respect, and reverence. Wolves are known for their fierce protectiveness of their pack and territory. In this context, defending God could imply fiercely advocating for one’s faith and the principles it represents, standing up against injustice or falsehoods that may challenge religious beliefs. Strength, courage, and resilience are symbols often seen in wolves. Similarly, defending God may require inner strength and courage to withstand criticism, persecution, or adversity while upholding one’s faith. While wolves are often depicted as fierce predators, they also play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Likewise, defending God may involve showing respect and reverence for the divine, recognizing the sacredness of religious teachings, and the responsibility of upholding them.
You may primarily see yourself as a sheep, but you also find opportunities to act as a shepherd by supporting and encouraging others in their faith. There may be times when you feel called to defend your faith like a wolf, standing firm in the face of adversity or speaking out against injustice. As you continue to grow and mature in your spiritual journey, you may find yourself moving fluidly between these roles, depending on your own needs and those of others around you. Ultimately, embracing these roles allows you to engage more deeply with your faith, serving God and others in impactful ways.