The gospel of John today presents Jesus to us as the supremely good shepherd whose care and love for his flock knows no limits, even to the extent of laying down his life for them. The image of God the shepherd is a much favoured one in the pages of Sacred Scripture and conveys the close and tender bond that exists between God and his people. The public ministry of Jesus Christ and especially his passion and death gives to the shepherd image a new and definitive meaning. By surrendering his life freely on the cross the Lord Jesus revealed the depth of the divine love that he has for us. He was not compelled to die, but of his own accord died so as to bring into unity all God’s scattered children. Through his death and resurrection not only did he prove himself shepherd of Israel; all the nations of the earth became his flock. In his own words there is to be just one flock and one shepherd.The liturgy of this Good Shepherd Sunday calls us to an ever deeper belief in Christ’s love for us. Nothing can be more reassuring or needed than to know that we are held securely in Christ’s loving arms in a manner which passes human understanding. The First Letter of John assures us that this love is a pledge of that wonderful and unspeakable future which God has in store for us his children. This hope is part of the blessing of Easter peace. Christ mediates all these blessings to us through his Church, and in a particular way through those who minister in his name and share in his office of shepherd: bishops, priests and deacons. Good Shepherd Sunday has now become a traditional day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood, and the Pope always writes a letter for the occasion. We must never tire or underestimate the power of our prayer for vocations. The gospels teach us that prayer can move mountains, provided we have sufficient faith.
The ultimate source of priestly vocations is the Good Shepherd, Christ himself, and we must believe that he will ensure a sufficient supply of other shepherds to feed his people in his name. Yet humanly speaking vocations are the task of all of us, through prayer, encouragement and example. Our young people need encouragement, but also the generosity of parents and family to nurture and sustain a priestly vocation. Let none of us be found wanting in this regard and the Lord will indeed complete our often faltering efforts. The harvest is great but the labourers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest that he may send labourers into his harvest…..
No comments:
Post a Comment