John 10:11-18

Jesus said, “I am the good Shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd, and I know Mine and Mine know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I will lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from My Father.”

Keeping ourselves in the flock of the shepherd

The shepherd holds a central image in the history of Judea. First, the shepherd is committed to the flock. He is personally responsible for the sheep. If a sheep is lost, he seeks the lost sheep, tracking and following its footprints across the hills. Moreover, he is committed to the community. He is committed to the little flock he has because he knows that the flock belongs not to individuals but to villages. Finally, the shepherd is an image of God. Jesus tells us that the Good Shepherd is what God is like. As a shepherd rejoices when a strayed sheep is brought home, God rejoices when a lost sinner is found.

There is, however, a certain nuance in the image of the Good Shepherd. We affirm that there is only one Good Shepherd, and we are all members of His flock. Church leaders are symbols of the Good Shepherd. And we are, too, with the “little flock” made up of our families. Symbols provide tangible experiences which we need. It does not replace Jesus: Jesus is always present, taking care of us. As symbols of the Good Shepherd, we make this truth more felt. Our relationship with Christ is close and intimate. When we tend our flocks lovingly, intimately, and closely, Christ expresses His love with our love to the people entrusted to our care.

We must bear two things in mind: First, the Good Shepherd is all about pastoral care. Our misgivings, our fears, our unworthiness may lead us to doubt the care of the Good Shepherd. Easter invites us to a kind of deep assurance, confidence, and trust that Jesus will always be present, constantly taking care of us. Second, the sheep stay within the fold – and so must we. We must remain in Christ, be faithful and loyal to Him. It is easy to lose sight of God in a world full of distractions. Let us consider a few simple things we can do to keep ourselves in the flock.

We must have a prayer life. When we find ourselves too busy, the more we need to pray. But what type of prayer? Here are some suggestions:

First, the snooze time: It is the time between waking up and getting out of bed. At least two minutes in silence to center yourself in God no matter how late you get up or how busy you are. Although more time is generally good, this brief constant prayer period will ensure faithfulness to being centered in God.

Second, the daily travel to work or school. This can be done while on the way to work or home, in the jeepney, car, train, or bus. Reflect for a few seconds quietly on the presence of God in your life.

Third, read sacred Scripture at least once a week for five or ten minutes so that God remains a real concrete presence in your life rather than a vague entity.

Fourth, keep symbols of our faith with you. Carry a rosary or a cross in your pocket or a picture of Jesus or a favorite saint in your wallet. Be conscious of churches along your route and make the sign of the cross as a sign of reverence.

Finally, speak about your faith informally with a friend. When you talk about your hopes, your fears, and what keeps you strong, you are already talking about your spiritual journey. Talk about it at any time, any casual place.

As we are assured of Christ’s care for us, let us also assure Christ that we value being in his flock. As children of Easter, we take care of our faith.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS.