Traditionally, the fourth Sunday of Easter is designated as “Good Shepherd Sunday” as the readings have a “shepherding” theme to them. For most of us, a shepherd is foreign to our everyday experience. Unless we’ve grown up on a farm, we’ve only seen shepherds and sheep in the movies (or perhaps at Greenfield Village). But for the people of Jesus’ day, shepherds and sheep were a common occurrence.
Simply put, the sheep know their shepherd and hear his (or her) voice. The shepherd is “everything” for the sheep—caregiver, food source, protector, doctor, leader, and guide. In other words, the shepherd is the god of the sheep. So it is no wonder that Jesus uses this image to instill in his followers the importance of the relationship between God and his people.
We should be as focused on God as the sheep are focused on their shepherd. We must learn to tune out other voices which try to lead us away from God. However, like some sheep we wander away from God and are persuaded to go after things which may harm us or put us in danger.
Am I attentive to the voice of the shepherd in my life? Or do I allow the voices of the world to lead me away from God?
Congratulations to all who have received the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation these past few weeks. Also, thank you to those who have helped to form them in their faith, especially their parents and catechists. May they continually hear the voice of the shepherd in their lives.
As we move into Spring, I encourage you to declutter not only your physical lives, but your spiritual ones as well. Take the time to evaluate what is truly important for you and get rid of those things, people, experiences, feelings, etc. which prevent you from hearing the voice of God in your life.
Have a great week,
Msgr. John