***
Gospel: 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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
***
Have you ever wondered why Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, and we, his sheep?
Why not something with a little more pizzazz?
Something like, “I am the Mighty Lion. You are my cubs.” I’d rather be a lion cub than a senseless sheep.
***
But that’s the point.
Sheep are defenseless.
They have neither claws, nor paws, nor venom, nor fangs. When a wolf comes along looking for its next snack, sheep are an easy target.
When attacked, sheep literally run around in a big circle, hoping they’re not the one eaten! Imagine these sheep thinking, “Catch her! Catch him! Just don’t catch me!”
That furry frenzy reminds me of musical chairs. Push others aside! Save yourself!
Cowardice at its best.
***
Sheep need a shepherd.
Without him, they’re defenseless. Literally.
***
Are we any different?
Just think about the frenzy caused by the Coronavirus. A single virus has thrown the entire world into a frenzy. A year of social distance and face masks has left all of us shaken. It’s hard to see our way out of this.
We need a shepherd.
The same idea applies when different crises litter our lives: health issues, financial problems, tense relationships.
Such experiences can really unnerve us, making us feel like we’re running around in circles. We all know that feeling of being flustered. Afraid. Defenseless.
We need a shepherd.
***
So, where are the wolves in my life? What makes me feel insecure, as if I’m running around in circles?
***
***
Saint Paul tells us, “No trial – no wolf – has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.”
Our shepherd will keep the wolves at bay.
***
Even when we must walk through the valley of death, the Lord will be at our side.
Again, the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep applies beautifully.
Sheep will not go anywhere their shepherd has not gone first. If he stands behind the flock and calls them, the sheep make a U-turn and gather quickly behind him. They prefer to be led. You might say, sheep have a “you first” mentality.
The shepherd goes first to assure his sheep that where they are going is safe.
Herein lies the power of the Easter message.
Good Shepherd Sunday, which we celebrate today, is above all else about death and resurrection. Death is the greatest “wolf” threatening us. But the tomb is empty! Our Good Shepherd is leading us all beyond the grave.
***
This Gospel also speaks to us as a parish.
If a sheep gets separated from its flock, it starts to panic; it literally stands in place and shakes. This is why Jesus leaves the ninety-nine for the one lost sheep. Without him, it would perish.
When Jesus finds the sheep, he brings it back to the flock – back to the Church – where it belongs. This is what we must do, also.
As we pray for an end to the pandemic, what an opportunity we have to gather the lost sheep, to invite them back to Saint Pius X.
I dream of our parish being a place where families connect; where children and teenagers gather together to worship and to socialize; a place where burdens are shared; friendships are created; a place where we all derive a deep sense of meaning.
The Lord is asking us all to discern, “How can we create an even stronger sense of community? How can we gather the lost sheep? How can we increase our fold?”
***
Now is the time to embrace that first pillar of our parish’s three-fold mission: building community, while increasing the size and strength of our flock.
***
While sheep have no way of defending themselves – they have neither claws, nor paws, nor venom, nor fangs – they have their shepherd.
We can rest comfortably today, knowing we have our Good Shepherd and we have one another.
***
***
Image credits: (1) www.churchofjesuschrist.org (2) WATV.org (3) www.romancatholiccop.com (4) Grace Lutheran Church, Yorba Linda, CA