We’re all familiar with the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. It’s a wonderful image for us, especially these days as we feel lost and uncertain as to where we – or, in fact, the entire world – is headed. As we hear in today’s Gospel, Jesus calls each of his sheep by name – just as he did at our baptism – and leads them out to find green pasture and plentiful water for the day. We are also familiar with the story of Jesus going after the lost sheep and, when he finds it, he throws it up over his shoulders and carries it back to the safety of the flock. Today, we hear Jesus speak of himself in slightly different terms as well – as the sheep gate. We hear him remind us that it is only through him that we can enter into heaven.
All of these images of Jesus are really good images for us to consider. As I mentioned a moment ago, we heard in today’s Gospel that Jesus calls his sheep by name. God calls each of us by name at our baptism into his holy family. We are not just one among many but each of us is precious to God – so precious that he would send his son, Jesus, to save each of us. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are all again given the promise of entry into the heavenly pastures. Notice what the good shepherd does. He leads his sheep to green pastures where there is food and water for everyone who follows him. Throughout his time with us, Jesus showed his care for the people around him by making sure that they had food and drink. So many times, beginning with his first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana, continuing with the various times when he fed thousands of people who were following him, and most importantly, at the Last Supper, where he gave his apostles – and us – his own life-giving body and blood in the form of bread and wine, Jesus demonstrated that he would feed and nourish us. He certainly is the Good Shepherd and we do well to listen to his voice when he calls us by name to follow him. After all, he leads us through the earthly meadows of this life to the eternal green pasture of heaven.
In today’s first reading, we hear Peter proclaim that God has made Jesus Lord and Christ – that is, the Messiah, the Anointed One. As Lord, he rules over our lives. But remember, his rule is not one of power and domination but rather, as a Good Shepherd, with tender love and great care as he leads us to the fullness of life. As the Christ, he has been anointed to lead us back to God. All we have to do is listen to his saving Word and follow his commands to live in love of God and neighbor.
In today’s second reading, we are reminded that we have all gone astray. But, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has brought us back into God’s flock. Let us be like the people who heard our Lord’s teachings and Peter’s proclamation and accept this life-saving message. Jesus is, indeed, the gate for us, his sheep. Let us enter through him and be saved; there is no other way. After all, as Jesus teaches so clearly, he is “the Way and the Truth and the Life.” Let us listen to Jesus who encourages us today: “I came so that you might have life and have it more abundantly!”
May we, who are so blessed to have been welcomed into Jesus’ sheepfold continue to listen to his voice throughout our lives – and especially during this time when we are feeling lost and afraid – until that time that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us to his heavenly pasture, where we will, at last, enjoy life in the fullness of God’s abundance.