photo by jay fonacier
A homily delivered to the parishioners of Santo Cristo Parish on the Fourth Sunday of Easter
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is often known as "Good Shepherd Sunday" as our gospel reading for today suggests. Known as the "Good Shepherd discourse" from the tenth chapter of the Gospel of John, our gospel for today used variety of metaphors like “sheep”, “shepherd”, "hired man", and "good shepherd." These images bear shades of meaning that would help us grasp the message of Jesus and how they reveal the Father and His plan for humanity. These words of Jesus continue to speak to us in the here and now as we search for greater meaning and seek answers to our deepest questions in life.
For our reflection today, we ask ourselves two questions: "Who is the Good Shepherd?" And "What does the Good Shepherd do?"
Who is the Good Shepherd? We all know that "Good Shepherd" is one of the many titles of Jesus. However, we can fully understand the identity of the good shepherd as he is placed side-by-side with evil, selfish shepherds. These “bad shepherds” failed to care for and feed the sheep, but rather allowed them to be scattered and to fall prey to wild animals. This then refers to the leaders who fail to perform their God-given responsibilities and as a result render their charge vulnerable to attack. On the contrary, Jesus is the one good, true shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep and knows his own sheep in the same manner that his sheep know him. What makes the Good Shepherd "good" is his readiness to lay down his life for his sheep. This death makes him the shepherd that is good or noble: he is the admirable shepherd because there is something admirable, heroic, and attractive in his death. This role of permanent shepherding is actually patterned after God’s “good shepherd” par excellence, David. Therefore, Jesus is said to be the model or noble shepherd because he is willing to die to protect his sheep.
What then does the Good Shepherd do? The Good Shepherd fosters communion with his flock, expresses compassion to the sheep, and has commitment to the fold entrusted to him.
The Good Shepherd fosters communion with his flock. The sheep knows its familiar name, responds immediately to the voice of the one calling it by name, and gladly follows the one whose voice if familiar to them as the shepherd walks ahead of them to lead them to pasture. Such intimate relationship between the Shepherd and the sheep was reflects the relationship between the Father and the Son, which is not simply knowledge about one another or merely the knowledge of an acquaintance; rather, it is an intimacy that is love. This relationship of love is the reason is why the Good Shepherd is willing laying down his life for the sheep.
The Good Shepherd expresses compassion to the sheep. The shepherd is the authorized caretaker of the flock. His task required dedication, courage, and vigilance. In lands where sheep and good pastures abound, the role of the shepherd is to be on guard against either threat in order to avoid loss of sheep. On the other hand, the opposite happens in the case of the stranger whose voice the sheep will not follow which would result to the sheep fleeing in panic. The Good Shepherd has compassion for the sheep because he knows what the sheep are undergoing or experiencing, especially in times of distress and trouble. He will not abandon his flock out of genuine concern for the sheep.
The Good Shepherd has commitment to the fold entrusted to him. Shepherding was a metaphor for leadership, and good shepherds protected and cared for their sheep, while bad shepherds neglected and abused the flock. The Good Shepherd, who leads the flock to pastures, gives them the fullness of life, and protects them even if his life is at stake, is an embodiment of this all-encompassing love of the Father. The challenge for us is not only to become receivers of this plan of salvation but also to take part in this plan of salvation by living the example of the Good Shepherd who shared the Father’s love – a love that gives life and fulfills our lives. If God is a God of love, then our words, actions, and relationships should also mirror such love.
In this world where there are many “shepherds” that compete with people’s attention and time, it is but fitting to remember that there is just one “Good Shepherd” among them, and this “Good Shepherd” will lead them to the pastures that material things and fame cannot buy. This is possible if we enter into the life of Jesus Christ, the real door of life and at the same time the Good Shepherd who offers His life for the salvation of His flock.
The Good Shepherd fosters communion with his flock, expresses compassion to the sheep, and has commitment to the fold entrusted to him. We pray that the Good Shepherd will continue to inspire and confirm the shepherds that guide our lives. We pray for the shepherds in our world today - the leaders of our country, the leaders of the Church, and the leaders of our community - that they may strive to truly live according to Jesus who is not just a shepherd but the good shepherd. Today is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We pray for more vocations to the priesthood and the religious life especially in the Diocese of Paranaque. We also pray for those who are pursuing the vocation to the priesthood, especially the seminarians of our diocese.
Send us, O Lord, more "good and loving shepherds" to the Church!
No comments:
Post a Comment