Gospel for May 8 2022 – John 10:27-30
Gospel Reflections for May 8 2022
We are not sheep!
Jesus mentions sheep in today’s Gospel …but not for you!
Everyone then knew sheep were timid and easily frightened. They followed their shepherd closely because they felt helpless and could not defend themselves against wolves. They needed a good shepherd! 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 courageous facing danger and compassionate to those in need. He will not be frightened away or intimidated from loving for His flock. I like that image better!
When Jesus said to His disciples, “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 the Shepherd! Jesus does not call you to be timid sheep …He calls you to be brave shepherds! 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 it’s 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 will courageously defend them from bad things and compassionately tend to their needs, and lead them to good things. They will want to follow you! Think how wonderful you will feel when people tell you how grateful they are for your leadership.
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day and ask God’s blessings on our mothers, living or not, who have been a wise shepherd in our life in important ways.
I remember many years ago I had a falling out with my own twin brother. Our mother never took sides in our argument, 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.
I hope you have a wise, courageous, and compassionate shepherd in your life helping you stay connected to Our Lord. I also hope that you might also be that wise shepherd helping others on the same path. This Gospel was written to inspire you to be that person.
Following Jesus means being a shepherd, not sheep. Let us fulfill our calling to be good shepherds!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Beautiful Homily!!! Beautiful words!! We will try to be good Shepherds, live our Jesus’ Love and touch people with His Love!!! Loveeeeeeeeee you Father Dave our precious, good Shepherd overflowing with our precious Jesus’ LOVE!!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and dick
Thank you!
Thank you Fr. Dave, for expressing your comments on what a shepherd should be!
We need good shepherds now, more than ever!
The Ukrainian president is a great example for us on how a shepherd should lead,
unafraid of the present danger leading his people to freedom and peace.
Amen!
Yes, well said! President Zelenskyy of Ukraine is an amazing leader and shepherd of his people.
Thank-You for another great reflection. I lost my mother in late September and your weekly reflections have continually uplifted me during this time.. I just wanted to say that we can all be mothers. We can conceive, labor, and give birth to a new world. Everyone – both women and men, have this aspect of consciousness within themselves. It is not just women who have given birth.
What an amazingly deep and wise insight. Thank you for sharing it!
Interesting interpretation Father. With Jesus, we have options. One is to live in the comfort of His love and protection and the other is to follow and be like Him; becoming shepherds ourselves. It is a relief to know we can allow ourselves to reach out and be comforted an d at the same time be a comfort to others. Thank you for your insight.
Yes, I think you are right. There are times we need consolation and times we need to move. Of course, we need wisdom to know what time is right.
Interesting interpretation Father. With Jesus, we have options. One is to live in the comfort of His love and protection and the other is to follow and be like Him; becoming shepherds ourselves. It is a relief to know we can allow ourselves to reach out and be comforted an d at the same time be a comfort to others. Thank you for your insight.