Gospel for April 21 2024 – John 10:11-18
Gospel Reflections for April 21 2024
Be a Shepherd …not a sheep.
Jesus mentions sheep in today’s Gospel …but that is not you!
People then knew that sheep are easily frightened. They follow their shepherd closely because they feel helpless and unable to 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 wolves are nearby.
The sheep recognize His voice and wise leadership. They know Jesus is that Good Shepherd who is always compassionate to His sheep and always courageous facing danger.
When Jesus said to His first disciples, “Follow me,” He did not mean 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.
Many of you are in a position of influence over others, whether in your family, among friends, classmates, neighbors, fellow workers, or social media contacts. Imagine 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 anything bad. They will want to follow you!
Our nation has many serious issues now, such as rising crime, global threats from Russia, China, and Iran, controversial moral issues like transgender operations on children, and a combative political season.
Jesus wants you to be that calm, wise, and confident leader in troubled times. Good shepherds bring the wisdom of Jesus to each of these events. (see my articles on Transgender Issues, Catholics and War, and other issues in the Articles section)
I know we have great shepherds at St. Bruno, in our Religious Education program that is leading almost 200 children to soon receive First Communion, and has already led over one hundred teenagers to the Sacrament of Confirmation, and at St. Bruno School that everyday teaches over three hundred and thirty students important lessons for life in each grade level.
Despite all the violence in Our Lord’s time, He calmly called His followers to be leaders who are never frightened by wolves, and lead their family and friends to that happy way of life that is the Kingdom of God. That is your calling today as well.
Good Bless!
Fr. Dave
Great idea to realize I am More than just a member of the flock. Thanks Father. I will get busy taking seriously my new position and try being a real Shepherd. I am up in years but the occupation must be filled. My Great Grandkids require it.
I have read your articles listed and compliment you on the clarity you bring to so many issues of the Day. Some seem so crazy but you calmly explain what’s going on. Thanks and God Bless You and your Parihioners.
Thank you!
I love this gospel. I miss the homilies you gave at St. Paschal’s, talking about the sheep that used to roam Thousand Oaks. Let us all strive to be good shepherds to weather the sociopolitical storm.
Yes, old time Thousand Oaks people have a special insight into this Gospel!
Happy good Shepherd, Sunday, Father
I have long considered you to be a very good shepherd and you definitely, as the Pope has mentioned, “smell of the sheep“. Thank you for your ministry.
As always, you have made me look at a gospel reading in a totally different way. Even though I have known this reading and you for a very, very long time. I thank you for this perspective and I will endeavor to be a very good Shepherd to my family.
God bless you
Well said!
Yes, father Dave, I shall be bold and confident as you, for you model Sheparding for us so beautifully.
Thank you…
Thank you!
Dearest Father Dave,
Love the beautiful thought of our being the Good Shepherds and leading our Family, Friends, Strangers, everyone to be embraced in our Jesus’ precious love and make the world beautiful in Jesus’ love!!! We have to stand up to our precious beliefs in a positive way!! Not attack the person but the issue !!!Attack in a positive way why abortion is wrong!!! and other issues!!!One person at a time can change the world and make it beautiful!!! Thank you Father Dave for you are a beautiful, precious Shepherd and we all loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick