JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD
First Reading: Acts 4: 8-12
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2
Gospel Reading: John 10: 11-18
*First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter miraculously healing a crippled person is narrated in detail. Peter testifies to the people of Jerusalem that this miracle happened not by his power but by the power of Jesus of Nazareth whom the Jewish authorities had crucified. Although Jesus was rejected by the Jews, there is no salvation for anyone except through the power of Jesus.
*Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John tells us that through the love of Jesus we are made children of God. In our future life we shall see Jesus as He is. He will do many great things in our lives.
The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus tells us that He is the Good Shepherd. It is important for us to understand the background of a Shepherd in Palestine at the time of Jesus. The Shepherd was a man completely and wholeheartedly dedicated to the care and well being of his sheep. The relationship between the Shepherd and the sheep was very intimate. He called each one by name and they knew his voice. The Shepherd went in front and the sheep followed him. Often he would carry the weak and the very young on his shoulders. To protect the flock from robbers and animals of prey he had to undergo extreme hardships and risk even his own life. Jesus as a Good Shepherd cared for His followers. He cared about people especially the weak, the least and the lost. The evidence is explicit in the pages of the Gospels. We all should draw great inspiration and comfort to know that Jesus is the Good Shepherd for every one of us. This is the kind of leader and saviour we have. He is someone who really cares about us even to the extent of giving His life for our sake. The Good Shepherd does not look for His own comfort but that of His sheep. This theme has its echoes in the words of Jesus. "Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28). Let us always follow the Good Shepherd who is always ready to lead us and to love us. He tells us, " I know my own and my own know me." (John 10:14)
"The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."- Psalm 23:1
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