4th Week of Easter 2025 - Monday - Jesus the Good Shepherd

 Yesterday, we heard the very short Gospel passage—just three verses from the middle of John Chapter 10—in which Jesus the Lord spoke about how his sheep recognize his voice and follow Him. This morning, we read from the beginning of chapter 10, beginning what is often called the Good Shepherd discourse.

Good Shepherds are found throughout Scripture.  Abel, son of Adam, was the first shepherd in human history.  Abraham was a shepherd, as was Jacob.  Joseph was shepherding his father’s flock when he was arrested and betrayed by his brothers.  Moses was shepherding his Father-in-law’s flock when he stumbled across the burning bush. Before becoming King of Israel, David was a shepherd.  And the prophet Amos was a shepherd before being sent by God to denounce Israel’s idolatry and hallow prosperity.

Scripture describes God Himself as a Shepherd.   As his father Jacob lay dying, Joseph knelt at his father’s bedside and recalled how God had been his shepherd every day since his birth.  And the 23rd Psalm tenderly describes God’s shepherding care: God is the Shepherd who feeds us in green pastures, who leads us to safety, who protects us in dark valleys.  

In the passage this morning the Lord describes the profound relationship Jesus has with each of us sheep. He knows us intimately, calls us by name, and leads us with love and care through the landscapes of our lives. The Good Shepherd also seeks to protect us from thieves and robbers who would steal us away from that relationship of love.

But, that is a choice that is up to us: will we heed his voice, or will we fall for the counterfeit voices of those thieves and robbers—the voice of temptation. 

He calls out to us, he calls us by name, he feeds us, he fends off thieves and robbers because he desires that we have life and have it to abundance—a life full of blessing and spiritual gifts, a life that involves becoming the people God made us to be.

But for that to happen, we must listen intently to the voice of the Good Shepherd, following in his footsteps, allowing him to teach us, feed us, protect us, lead us and guide us in the ways of righteousness, goodness, and love, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Filled with Paschal joy, let us turn earnestly to God, to graciously hear our prayers and supplications.

For the shepherds of our souls, for newly elected Pope Leo, for all  bishops and clergy, that they may govern wisely the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd

For the whole world, that it may truly know the peace of the Risen Christ.

That our parish may bear witness with great confidence to the Resurrection of Christ, and that the newly initiated hold fast to the faith they have received. 

For our brothers and sisters who suffer, that their sorrow may be turned to gladness through the Christian faith.

That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory may come to the glory of the Resurrection.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the desires of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our lord.