Gospel for April 25 2021 – John 10: 11-18
Gospel Reflections for April 25 2021
Be a Shepherd …not a sheep
Jesus mentions sheep in today’s Gospel …but that image is not for you!
Everyone then knew that sheep were timid and easily frightened. They follow their shepherd closely because they feel helpless and unable to care for themselves or fight against wolves. They want a strong shepherd. Well, Jesus is that strong Good Shepherd who has the best interests of His sheep at heart and bravely leads them to good food and water, even if violent wolves are nearby.
Jesus is that Good Shepherd who is compassionate to His sheep and courageous facing danger. He will not be frightened, scared off, or intimidated by wolves.
When Jesus said to His disciples, “Follow me,” He did not mean for you to follow Him as timid sheep but rather to follow Him …in His role as Shepherd! Jesus does not call you to be sheep …He calls you to be a shepherd. It is the Shepherd we imitate, not the sheep. (I like that image much better!)
Many of you are in a position of influence over others, whether in your family, among friends, classmates, neighbors, fellow employees, or social media contacts. Think how they will feel if they sense that you always have their best interests at heart, and compassionately lead them to what is good and courageously defend them from what is bad. They will want to follow you!
This week, we have seen violent protests in various cities across the US. Ironically, violent protestors …are protesting violence …with violence. Not much common sense there, and not the people anyone should ever follow. There are plenty of angry voices now calling for sinful behavior. Our voice is never one of them. Our Lord calls all of us to be good shepherds and resist wolves.
I know we have great shepherds at St. Bruno, in our Religious Education program that is leading over a hundred children to receive First Communion, and has already brought 147 young people to the Sacrament of Confirmation, and in our St. Bruno School that everyday teaches important lessons for life in each grade level.
Despite all the violence in Our Lord’s time, He calmly called His followers to take up the mantle of leadership, never be frightened by wolves, and lead their family and friends to the respect for the dignity of all people that is always found in the Kingdom of God.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Beautifully said our Father Dave!!! We must all touch this world with our Jesus’ LOVE!!! and make it beautiful !!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our precious Jesus!!!!If we all do one precious act of love daily, we will transform our world in Jesus’ Love!!! Your Saint Bruno’s is so embracing our Jesus in love with sooooooooooooooo many First Holy Communions and Confirmations!!! How beautiful!!! Your school reminds me of my precious years of teaching Kindergarten and teaching our Jesus’ love!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our precious Faith and loveee you for giving us our loving Jesus of LOVE!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Fr. Dave,
What a great reflection!!
I almost want to jump on a horse , like Joan of Arc to tell the good news of Gods Love to everyone!!
We are having a really good turn out at our “ Mass on the Green” at Padre Serra Parish. We were also surprised by Bishop Barron showing up on Easter morning.
I also really liked the part about “Jesus leading us all to respect the dignity of all people that is always found in the kingdom of God.”
God Bless
Thanks for the Joan of Arc reference. Certainly a brave person of faith! Glad to hear about the Masses at Padre Serra too.
Hello Fr. Dave: I always enjoy your Gospel Reflections and Popular Articles.
I like the idea of imitating the Shepherd rather than the sheep. Shepherds have more capacity and opportunities for growth than do sheep.
Many thanks for your inspirations and guidance each week.
God’s blessings to you and your ministries.
Glad that you liked the article and the call of Our Lord for each of us to be a Good Shepherd!
Father Dave,
This is a wonderful perspective on “being sheep”. Jesus did not call the disciples to be fish; instead, he told them that they would be fishers of men. When political pundits and others who attack our faith talk about “sheeple”, this is the perfect counterpoint.
Miss see you up in Ventura County during the University Series. May God continue to bless you and to bless us through you.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I will use the image of fish vs. fishermen from now as well!
Dear Father Heney:
I really rejoiced with your article and it was one the best ‘presents’ I have received for my birthday!
Let me express my gratitude to you; because I learned to pray the Holy Rosary online recited by you and your disciples and believers in the California Church. So much faith, love and peace your Rosary has brought unto our lives.
Receive my sincere appreciation and greetings from Ontario, Canada. God bless you Father.
Sandra Marie.
I am deeply humbled and honored by your comments, and so glad that you have found the “Come Pray the Rosary” website so helpful.