“For the Lamb that is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water” (Rev 7:17). On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we’re reminded of the loving care that Jesus provides for us. “We know that the Lord is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends” (Ps 100:3). How do shepherds tend their sheep? They protect and defend them from harm. They lead them to pasture safely in order to feed them and bring them to water. They search for the ones who have become lost. They bind up their wounds and heal the ones who have been hurt.
What happens if we choose to go our own way and stray away from our Good Shepherd (Is 53:6)? “They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered, they became food for all the wild beast”(Ez 34:5). Let us stay close to one another and Jesus! It can help to think of all the ways that Jesus cares for us like a Good Shepherd in order to be open to being one of His beloved sheep. He feeds us with His own Precious Body (Lk 22:19). He gives us the life-giving water of baptism and everlasting life (Jn 4:14). He leads and protects us (Ps 23). He searches for each of us when we’re lost in sin and rejoices when He finds us (Lk 15: 1-7). He heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds (Ps 147:3). Sheep are humble animals; they can be kind of dirty and smelly, and not very smart. It would be grander to imagine that the people of God are like a pride of noble lions. But no, God is our shepherd, so we are His sheep. Embrace being a sheep!
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for your protection, care, providence, and love. Help me to follow You ever so closely and remain in Your care.
Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
ACTS 13:14, 43-52
PSALM 100:1-5
REVELATION 7:9, 14-17
JOHN 10:27-30