Gospel for April 30 2023 – John 10:1-10
Gospel Reflections for April 30 2023
Be a Shepherd …not a sheep.
Jesus mentions sheep in today’s Gospel …but that is not 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 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 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. Think how they will feel if they sense that you always have their authentic 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 contentious issues now, such as rising crime, global war by Russia and China, controversial moral issues like transgender care for children, and the highly 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 moral issues)
I know we have great shepherds at St. Bruno, in our Religious Education program that is leading over a hundred children to soon receive First Communion, and has already brought over one hundred young people to the Sacrament of Confirmation, and at St. Bruno School that everyday teaches over three hundred 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, never be 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.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
This is a great reminder of what we as Catholics must be about. Being a Shepherd is our Goal in being a Parent or Priest Or Single member of our Parish and Community.
We should be as the Apostles we’re in getting the word and action into our surroundings.
Our example must reflect this as well.
Thanks for reminding us of this obligation and pray that we can do it successfully.
Yes, being a Good Shepherd is our goal, wherever we are. Well said, Tom!
Beautifully said Father Dave!!! We must act as our precious Jesus’ apostles and stand up for our precious Catholic Faith and morals!!! We must be leaders in a positive ,convincing way and attack the problem not the person!!!With intense prayer and beautiful catholic leaders we can change our world and make it beautiful for Jesus and live in love!!!!
Well said!
Thank you for helping us to see what Jesus wants us to know about who we are…Shepherds. Shepherds are called to Love , as the apostle Paul described in I-Corinthians. Although sometimes I think He knows we need to be like sheep, especially when when we need guidance, or are going through difficult situations. This is when we are to allow Him to lead and restore us. I’m happy He understands us!
.
You are a blessing Fr Dave!
Yes, indeed, we sometimes need to be led!