Education in Faith

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Year B

Good Shepherd Sunday

Gospel Reflection

The image of Jesus as the good shepherd is a familiar image that can sometimes become over-familiar and cease to engage us. Countless works of art have presented this image literally, picturing Jesus as a shepherd with a crook and surrounded by sheep or even with a lamb draped around the back of his neck. In the gospel, Jesus says, ‘I am the good shepherd’, not ‘I am like the good shepherd’. 

Jesus is the good shepherd. Shepherds generally were not regarded as particularly good people – more like disregarded people of the earth! – so the choice of image is a deliberate one to unsettle the listeners. Unlike their normal expectation of shepherds – most people would run away at the first sign of danger – Jesus is the good shepherd: the one who does not abandon his flock; the one who has concern for his sheep; the one who will lay down his own life for his sheep. The final verses of the passage make an interesting extension to the image of shepherd and sheep. Unlike the ‘sacrificial lamb’, the good shepherd chooses to lay down his life and also has the power to take it up again.

Historical Context – The GOOD Shepherd?

The image of Jesus as the good shepherd would have been a confronting image. Shepherds in first century Palestine occupied one of the lowest steps on the social ladder – men of such poor reputation that they could only be trusted to herd sheep; they certainly couldn’t be trusted around other people! Jesus’ use of the image explains two ways: a confronting image for the audience; and also a challenge to those leaders who had been charged to ‘shepherd’ their people and behaved no better than thieves – Jesus was giving them an image of what it means to be a good shepherd.

Scriptural context – The Shepherd Messiah

The gospels go to great lengths to affirm the lineage of Jesus and associate him with the house of David, the first great Jewish king. David began life as a simple boy tending his father’s flock of sheep. When the line of kings was instigated through David they were charged with being ‘shepherds’ of their people. However, down through the line of kings, this care for the people was lost and they ceased to be ‘shepherds. Jesus’ claim to be the good shepherd is his claim to be in the line of the true kings of Israel – a shepherd of the people.

Discussion Starters

• What message does the image of Jesus, the good shepherd, hold for you?
• What contemporary image might convey the same message as the image of the good shepherd?
• What interpretation can be applied to the line, ‘there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold’?
• Have you ever had an experience of being cared for by someone you could call ‘a shepherd’?
• Who do you need to ‘shepherd’?
• How does the image of the good shepherd speak to your life and experience?
• Have you ever seen yourself as needing to be the good shepherd for someone else?
• Are there times you have acted more like the ‘hired man’ – fleeing in the face of threat or difficulty?
• How might this image be misinterpreted?

Sacramental Events and Dates

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,

As we embark on a new academic year, we would like to share with you important dates for our Sacramental celebrations that will take place throughout the school year. Sacraments play a significant role in the spiritual journey of our students and we need to ensure that you are well-informed and can actively participate in these meaningful events. Kindly mark the following dates on your calendar:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Sacramental Program, celebrations or preparation process, please feel free to contact the School's Religious Education leader.

Thank you for your continued partnership in the spiritual formation of our students. We look forward to celebrating these sacred moments with you and your families as a parish community. 

May God's blessings be with you and your loved ones.

Sacrament Levy

There is a $25 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost of stoles.

•  This levy needs to be paid in full to the school in an envelope clearly indicating your child’s name, Home Group and name of Sacrament being received.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES            

Mini Vinnies have been busily selling Anzac Badges during eating times each day. We would like to thank all the people that have bought badges. We will continue selling them on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Students need to bring a gold coin to purchase an Anzac Badge. All money raised with help support our war veterans and their families.

Thank you,

Giuliana & Mini Vinnies