Yesterday, the fourth Sunday of Easter, is known as the Good Shepherd Sunday. That is because on this Sunday, in all three-year liturgical cycles’ readings, the Church invites us to meditate on the Gospel of John. It is also known as Vocation Sunday, and dedicated to promoting vocations in the Catholic Church and encouraging individuals to discern their service in the Church.
In the gospel reading yesterday, Jesus tell us He is the good shepherd. What does “good” mean? Does it mean that He is a skilled shepherd? Based on the reading’s context, it is safe to assume that “good” does not refer to a qualified shepherd but rather a “noble” one; from the Latin word nobilis, it means to be well known.
Regarding our spirituality, it appears that Jesus wants us to know that the virtues of a spiritual leader, or shepherd, depend on how well they are known by the flock they care for. He teaches us to look for three qualities in a good shepherd:
First, they prioritise the interests of their sheep over their own. They live out St. Paul’s words to the Philippians: “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”
Second, a good shepherd leads all sheep under their care, even if they do not belong to their fold. These may include unbelievers and our enemies. A noble shepherd follows Jesus’s command: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Why are these virtues important? Humans tend to seek leaders and caretakers to guide and protect us. In a world where its moral compass often misfunctions, the Church is critical in bringing people into the fold. The Church calls all members of the mystical body of Christ to assist in this mission: to be good shepherds who care for and protect the flock.
As St. Peter advised: “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour.”
As clergy members, priests, consecrated individuals, and permanent deacons, we must be good shepherds. Sometimes we succeed in our ministry; other times, we fall short.
Therefore, we ask for your prayers. Please pray that we always remember the purpose of our calling, that God gives us strength and patience to be good shepherds, and that there is an increase in vocations.
Let us Pray: O Lord, our good shepherd, show us Your ways and teach us Your paths so that we may always recognise Your voice, especially when we step away from the fold. Photo: A person prays holding a rosary during Pope Francis’ visit at the shrine of Fatima, Portugal, 12 May 2017. Fatima became one of the most popular and famous Catholic pilgrimage sites following the Marian apparitions in 1917 of three shepherd children. (Photo credit TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images.)
Deacon Hector Ortiz is a member of the Diocese of Austin in Texas.
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