Jesus, the Good Shepherd: Ever Guiding and Protecting

04th Sunday of Easter: April 21, 2024

Readings: Acts 4:8–12; Psalm 118:1, 8–9, 21–23, 26, 29; 1 John 3:1–2; John 10:11–18

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/NkKAxd-YDb4

In spite of the technology and development in science, human life is fragile and vulnerable. We need protection and look for safety when we travel in vehicles or while we walk on the roads. We, always, feel a need for something or someone that is beyond us, in fact, of our control to protect us and save us. We need something or someone to console us when we are sad, someone to be with us in times of crisis and suffering, someone to accompany us when we are lonely or feel threatened, someone to pat on our back with words of encouragement when the road ahead of us is tough and difficult, someone to fight with us when we are loosing, someone to comfort us when we are weeping, someone to strengthen us when we feel terribly weak and difficult to walk. The list goes on. On this 4th Sunday of Easter which is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we have in Jesus our good Shepherd. Because he is the way, truth and life. In him, we find everything for our life from safety to eternal glory.

1. Jesus: Ever caring and loving

In St John’s gospel (John 10:11–18) Jesus speaks at length the kind of Shepherd he is. The words are not only consoling but also encouraging to follow such a person called Jesus. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus was a good shepherd to those who came in contact with him, either to listen to his words of wisdom, get consoled, receive healing, feel his touch, hear words of encouragement and strength or be fed by good food. Jesus was always there with the people. He never left them even though they left him when Cross came on his way. Jesus met everyone with a loving embrace. Jesus kissed the kids and blessed them when his disciples tried to chase them away. When the prostitute was in front of Jesus to be prosecuted, he made the accusers understand how greatly sinful they were. Jesus was there at the tomb of Lazarus consoling Martha and Mary. He made the crippled walk, blind to see, stopped the bleeding, and chased away the Pharisees and scribes who were at him to find fault with him and his disciples. 

“The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.” Jesus utters these words, which he fulfilled in his life. When, he was sentenced to the death of Cross, Jesus did not run away but was ready to embrace it so that his disciples could be spared. They found in him a real Messiah. Jesus knew his disciples, his people, his friends, his acquaintances. He cared for them and loved them. When his disciple Peter’s mother-in-law is sick, he goes straight to her home to heal her. When he hears Lazarus is dead, he goes to the home of Martha and Mary. Jesus knew whom he must care for, and who were his people. Ever ready, ever faithful shepherd. Jesus is never off duty.

2. Name of Jesus: Ever healing and rejuvenating 

Christian theology and spirituality mention the tremendous power of the name of Jesus. St Peter heals the crippled man at the entrance of the temple. He gives testimony that it is the name of Jesus that healed him. In the name of Jesus, our illnesses are healed, suffering is reduced, and sorrow is turned into joy. The power of the name of Jesus is tremendous. When you are terribly sick, just say, “Jesus, heal me.” When you go through excruciating pain in your stomach or in other parts of the body, just call on the name of Jesus, “Jesus heal me”, “Jesus touch, me.” Jesus will certainly be at your bedside consoling or giving his healing touch.

The testimonies of countless men and women of this world know the power of the name of Jesus. Jesus the second person of the Trinity, the God-man is always with us giving his healing power. If such power of Jesus is not present in the world, people would not have embraced Christ as their saviour and Lord. Embracing Jesus is not for the sake of identity or general well-being, instead, Jesus is the salvation. He is the way, the truth and life. Jesus as a good shepherd not only smashes away every fear and the den of the enemy but he rescues us from those robbers, wicked and evil forces. Where there is Jesus, there is definite defeat to the devil. The evil forces have no place in the company of Jesus. 

3. Power of Jesus - Empowered to be the Children of God

St John the beloved disciple of Jesus writes in his epistle (1 John 3:1–2) that because of Jesus God the Father has lavished on us by letting us be called God’s children. In the name of Jesus, we have become the children of God. It is a continuous process to grow and become mature children of God through Jesus Christ. Through him, we are graced and are continually blessed to walk in the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as we grow every day in our deep faith in Jesus Christ, we are nurtured and nourished by our Lord. The Eucharist, the word of God, prayer, works of charity and mercy all help us in our way of salvation. We are continually renewed in Christ Jesus when we commemorate his last supper when we eat his body and drink his blood in the form of bread and wine. Jesus is ever present and forever available to us. 

The power of Jesus continues to awaken the men and women of today. The first disciples were energized so much by his power, that they went around the world preaching and healing. The mission of our Lord continues today. Because he continues to shepherd us, even though we may not see him physically, yet we see him through our inner eyes, the eyes of faith, always caring and supporting us in our struggle for peace and justice, reconciliation and liberation. He is present when we work with migrants and refugees, abandoned and distressed. Jesus as shepherd continues to guide and protect us when we volunteer to do something great for our God, when we cross the narrow and infantile boundaries that we put ourselves to protect our position and earthly authority either in our religious life or in the world. Jesus breaks the pride and arrogance of every selfish, narcissistic and ego-centric person in the world. Jesus the good shepherd stands above in giving the right place, and the place that belongs to us and enough strength to carry out the mission that is entrusted to each one. May, we hang on to this Jesus the good shepherd, today and always.

Questions for self-reflection 

1. What is my experience of Jesus as a good shepherd?
2. Have I been able to share some of my experiences of Jesus with others?
3. How can I be a good shepherd to others, in my family or religious community surroundings, and any other places where I spend most of my time?

Prayer based on Psalm 118

Heavenly Father,

We come before you with hearts overflowing with gratitude, for you are good, and your steadfast love endures forever. In the midst of challenges and trials, we find refuge in your unwavering faithfulness. Though we may face adversity on every side, we trust in your strength, knowing that you are our helper. You are our refuge and our shield, sustaining us through every storm.

We rejoice and declare your mighty deeds, for you have answered our prayers and have become our salvation. The very cornerstone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone of our lives. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We lift our voices in praise, for you are our God, and we exalt you above all. To you, O Lord, be all glory and honour, now and forevermore. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

18 April 2024