Gospel for May 11 2025 – John 10:27-30
Gospel Reflections for May 11 2025
We are not sheep!
We could have a new pope by the time you read this. If so, this Gospel about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is perfect for all of us to understand accurately.
Everyone knew sheep were timid and easily frightened. They follow their shepherd closely because they feel helpless and cannot defend themselves against wolves. Well, Jesus is that Good Shepherd who bravely leads His sheep to good food and water despite nearby wolves. Jesus is our Good Shepherd who is both compassionate to those in need and courageous facing danger. He will not be frightened away from loving His flock.
When Jesus said, “Follow me,” He did not mean for you to follow Him …as timid sheep might follow a strong shepherd. He actually meant for you to follow Him …as a good shepherd! Jesus does not call you to be timid sheep …He calls you to be a brave shepherd! It is the virtues of the Good Shepherd that you imitate, not the sheep!
You are often in a position of influence over others in some way, whether your family, friends, neighbors, social media contacts, or fellow employees. Think how they will feel if they sense you always have their best interests at heart and compassionately tend to their needs and courageously defend them from bad things, …and lead them to good things. They will want to follow you!
You should always lead others in the true and authentic way of Our Lord. We don’t create our own faith to match our desires but lead others in the way Our Lord intended. No one knows what is best for our happiness than Our Lord.
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day and ask God’s blessings on our mothers, living or not, who have been wise shepherds in our life in important ways.
I remember many years ago I had a falling out with my twin brother. Our mother never took sides, but would end every conversation with the simple phrase, “Have you talked with your brother?”
That simple phrase led to a reconciliation that we are both grateful for. Our mother exercised family leadership in a wonderful way. Our Lord wants you to be that wise shepherd helping others walk in His path.
Following Jesus means being a shepherd, not a sheep. Ask for the grace you need today to be a good shepherd!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fr Dave, I like the way you are able to give a new take on a familiar Bible passage
You are very welcome!
Dear Father Dave,
Thank you for this wonderful Mother’s Day reflection! It brought back memories, to be sure!
Also, To think about Jesus and who He was/is and to link Him in birth to Mary His mother opens my mind to endless facets of our Savior’s life on earth..
Can you imagine every thought He ever had? Every Thought….
Have a blessed weekend.
God bless!
Kathleen
Happy Mother’s Day!
You are very welcome!
Thanks Father for clearing that up! I am so thrilled with our New Shepherd Pope Leo XIV. A Man Born in Detroit, Michigan USA.. The very first American chosen by the Holy Spirit in a Conclave of Cardinals in the Vatican. Absolutely Wonderful.
A Man who wanted to become a Priest from as a Boy. And a Misionery in Peru. As Shepherds we must remember that we too are called to be Evangelsts in our words and deeds.
Robert Francis Prevost has had a wonderful life. Now He is a Shepherd of Shepherds.
Deo Gratias! Siempre Adelante. Thanks be to God. Always Forwad.
I think he is off to a great start!
I think he will be a great Pope!
Thank you as always, Fr. Dave! I will never forget the excellent homily you gave years ago at St. Paschal on this gospel. It’s hard to imagine the now densely populated Thousand Oaks was once a ranch where sheep grazed. When Pope Francis passed, I felt like a spiritual orphan without a father. There was a desolate emptiness as we waited in the throes for the Conclave to convene and render a decision on our next Pope. However, I took comfort in prayer and reading about the many cardinals and their qualifications. I realized that we are all stewards of the Church and I pray that Pope Louis XIV will be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Pope Leo will be great, I am sure.
Father Dave, You are a precious Shepherd and our loving God knew you would lead His sheep to Heaven!!! Loveeeeeeeee following your footseps in love and touch others with our precious Jesus’ loveeeeeeee!!! So happy you were born for your words touch peoples hearts to live in loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Happy belated Mother’s day to your beautiful Mother for she gave us a miracle gift of loveeeeeeee in precious you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!