We’re all familiar with the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. But, what do you know about shepherding sheep? If you’re like me, probably very little. One of the important aspects of shepherding sheep, as opposed to herding cattle, is that, unlike cattle, who are best moved along from behind, sheep prefer to be led. And, in our Lord’s time, almost all families had a little flock of sheep even if they lived in a small town or village. Family members would take turns between farming their little plots of land and herding their sheep. And, if they lived in a small town or village, they would return their sheep to the common sheepfold every evening and families would take turns guarding the sheep against both four-legged and two-legged marauders. Sometimes, the guard would even sleep right in front of the gate of the sheepfold. Then, every morning, members of each family would come to stand in front of the sheep gate and call each of their sheep by name. Their sheep would recognize their name and come out to be led by their shepherd to green pasture. There you have a little lesson on shepherding in the time of Jesus. It helps us all understand the lesson that Jesus is teaching us in today’s gospel. As we hear in today’s Gospel, he calls himself the good shepherd who calls each of his sheep by name and leads them out to find green pasture and plentiful water for the day. Today, we hear also Jesus speak of himself as the sheep gate. We hear him remind us that it is only through him that we can enter into heaven.
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 fold. 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 plentiful food and water for everyone.
Throughout his time with us, Jesus showed his care for the people around him by making sure that they had food. 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 care for our most basic and urgent need – to be fed and nourished. He certainly is the Good Shepherd and we do well to listen to his voice when he calls us by name to follow him.
As I mentioned a moment ago, God called each of us by name into his family when we were baptized. And, like the Good Shepherd, he makes sure that we have everything we need to live in this life. Today, and every time we join in the Eucharistic Celebration, we are invited to receive the life-giving Body and Blood of Jesus. This is such a clear sign of God’s love in our lives.
In today’s first reading, we hear Peter proclaim that God has made Jesus Lord and Christ. 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 truth. Just as in the time of Jesus, we live in a corrupt generation. So many lies swirl around us and it is so easy to be led astray. As Christ, the Anointed One, he has the authority 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, the guardian of our souls, 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: “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 every day of our lives until that day when Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us to his heavenly pasture, where we will, at last, enjoy life in the fullness of God’s abundance.