Reflection
Gospel
Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd.
A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father." John 10: 11- 18
Reflection
In today’s gospel from John, Jesus tells us: “I am a good shepherd: the good shepherd is the one who lays down his life for his sheep… I know my own, and my own knows me. They listen to my voice…” We learn from this, two crucial lessons. The first, the role and characteristics of a good shepherd. The second is the duty and response of the flock.
The good shepherd knows and takes care of their flock. They are patient, they love and never harm their flock of sheep. A good shepherd is readily available for their flock. They are ready to make sacrifices for their good. On the other hand, a good flock listens to its shepherd. It obeys their instructions and follows them with trust and confidence. In other words, there must be a good relationship and understanding between a good shepherd and their flock.
The celebration of Christ the Good Shepherd today reminds us that we are shepherds, as well as flocks. This is because each one of us is in a position or has a role as a leader and a follower. So, who is a good shepherd, and where can we find one?
Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader