JESUS IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD WEEK B-E4
John 10: 11-18
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.”
In the Gospel this week, Jesus uses the analogy of the good shepherd to describe his unconditional love for everyone. He compares the shepherd to a hired worker who is not a shepherd stating that a hired worker will leave the herd of sheep that is tasked to the worker to watch over whenever danger comes or things becomes overbearing. On the contrary, the good shepherd, who is Jesus, never abandons the flock. Instead, when danger comes, the good shepherd lays down his life for the herd that he cares for. Jesus lays down his life for us because he loves us and takes it back up to give us all everlasting life.
In our lives, there are times where we may be able to relate to Jesus’s actions of unconditional love. For example, when we are hungry and we ask our mom or dad to make us food, they drop whatever they are doing to make sure we are full. If you were to go ask a stranger or even a cook in a restaurant for food, it is not likely that they would freely give it to you out of love or compassion for your need of food. This is because you are not their “sheep” and they do not see any benefit for themselves. However, your parents do not have any personal gain in making sure you are nourished either. The point is that like Jesus, your parents are your good shepherd and they love you unconditionally to put your needs before theirs in the same way that Jesus puts the need and care for his sheep first.
At your age, there may not be many opportunities for you to express unconditional love to those around you. However, there can be small moments where you are able to catch a glimpse of it. Think of a time in your life when you were extremely busy with schoolwork and your parents asked you for a small favor. How did you respond to their request? Did you do it? If you did, what compelled you to do it? If not, what feelings did you experience when you decided that you needed to prioritize your personal work? Remember the example of Jesus, the good shepherd, in today’s Gospel and how your parents can also be your sheep in your life just as you are theirs.
GENEROSITY: the quality of being kind and generous.
Being generous also takes a quality of humility to it. Today we see Jesus as a figure who humbly and quietly cares for his sheep without all of the glamour and fame. That’s the true example of generosity. Another example is through your parents and sometimes even your Huynh Truong. Every day your parents make sure you have food to eat and that your needs are met in addition to all of the other responsibilities that they have every day. So this week, try to think about moments in your day where you can reflect that generousness toward your parents. Find ways where you can assist them in their daily tasks and do so quietly, not pointing out each deed you do and asking for recognition or favor.
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Dear Jesus, thank You for being our good shepherd and giving up Your life for us so that we are saved. You always know what is best for us and what we need in each and every moment of our lives. We ask that You show us how to love unconditionally like You and to be as generous as You have been to us toward our family and our friends. Please especially bless those who are less fortunate than us. Amen.
