We all know that Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd. We hear him do it again in today’s Gospel. But, what do you know about shepherding sheep? If you’re like me, probably very little. One of the interesting things to know about 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, along with a plot of land where they would grow fruits and vegetables – and, if possible, some olive trees to make olive oil – even if they lived in a small town or village. Family members would take turns between herding their sheep and farming their little plots of land. And, if they lived in a small town or village, they would return their sheep to the common sheepfold every evening. Families would take turns guarding the sheep against both four-legged and two-legged marauders. The guard would sleep right in front of the gate of the sheepfold. Then, every morning, members of each family would come to stand at 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.
This helps us all understand the lesson that Jesus is teaching us in today’s gospel. As we hear in today’s Gospel account, Jesus calls himself the 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 also hear 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 our reflection. 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 calls us by name and has sent his son, Jesus, as shepherd, and sheep gate, to lead us into green pasture and save us from those who do not really have our interests in mind. As in the time of Jesus, we all know that there are people who are only interested in themselves. 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; this is a wonderful image of God’s care for us here and now and in heaven.
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.
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 – like so many leaders in today’s world – 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 called to recognize where we have gone astray. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the guardian of our souls, longs to bring us back into God’s flock. Let us be like the people who heard our Lord’s teachings and Peter’s proclamation and accepted 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.