Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Chapter 10 of John, from where the Gospels of the three-year cycle of Good Shepherd Sunday are taken, presents the figure and symbolism of the poimen, Greek for shepherd. The image of the Good Shepherd is one of the most powerful in the Gospel. Jesus says, “ I am the Good Shepherd, my sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10). Jesus himself is the Good Shepherd who cares for those who follow him and hear his voice. He is presented as a Shepherd who seeks the welfare of the sheep and risks his life for them. This care requires even the giving up of his life. Pope Gregory the Great said that when Jesus said “I know my sheep” he is actually saying “I love them.” It is comforting then that someone knows you, knows what you like, and knows what you need.  

For Jesus, there are no black sheep. He loves the stray ones more. The Good Shepherd leaves the 99 righteous ones, and goes in search of the lost one. How many times Jesus the Good Shepherd has come to rescue us —we are in that moment of being lost in sadness and sends a friend to cheer us up, or going astray like a lost sheep and we encounter a person like a teacher or a priest who can give us good advice to set us on the right track again. Let us be joyful this day. We may be a little foolish at times and go astray like the lost sheep but we have a Good Shepherd who is vigilant, who loves us and cares for us.  

By virtue of our baptism, we are called to imitate Jesus who is our Good Shepherd. Each one of us is called to be a good shepherd to others. Each one of us has the sheep that are entrusted to us. If you are a parent then perhaps you have little sheep to take care of to nourish them in the faith. Let us ask the Good Shepherd to help us to be more like him, to be able to reach out to the lost and abandoned sheep. In every age Jesus is calling us to care diligently for the needs of our brothers and sisters.  

This Good Shepherd Sunday has been designated as “World Day of Prayer for Vocations.”  It reminds us also to pray for the shepherds in the Church: the successor of Peter, bishops, priests, deacons, and all who exercise leadership roles. How can we help remedy the vocation crisis and foster more vocations to the priesthood in our diocese? Christian family atmosphere is a fertile ground for vocations to the priesthood. Today, let us also include in our prayers all mothers, mother- in- laws, single mothers, grand- mothers and great-grand mothers. May our Good Shepherd always give you the gift of continued good health. Happy Mother’s Day! Many blessings! 

– Fr. Cosme