Is it not true that there comes a time in every one of our lives when we stop expecting someone else to take care of us and we begin to do that for ourselves? This is what this “Good Shepherd Sunday” is all about, but it goes way beyond each of our individual lives. The character, the mission, and the identity of the Church (born on Pentecost) is being sketched out with the image of Jesus as Shepherd (John 10, 1-10).
By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to do Christ’s work. If someone is lost, for example, we go get them. If someone is hungry, we spread the table. If someone is in danger, we protect and defend them. The point is: what we see in the Good Shepherd is what we must see in the Church and especially in our parish community. What people imagine and hope for in a “good shepherd” they have a right to find in us!
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In essence, the whole Church is called to “shepherd,” not just some members. We are a Baptized and Confirmed people filled with the grace of the Eucharist and with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Let’s start acting like it! We are called to be shepherds, all of us. All of those seeking security, salvation, and hope deserve to have access to the peace of Christ – the peace that comes with hearing His Word, and being affirmed, respected, cared for, and called by name. That’s what shepherds do when they follow the example of the Good Shepherd!
