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| Illustration by
Phil Younk |
Shepherd. Sheep. Love. Protection. Life. To explain his teachings, Jesus often uses examples of things that are well-known to people. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about the good shepherd.
Sheep are timid, gentle animals that live together in flocks. Sheep, especially the little lambs, are cute animals, but they aren’t very smart. Small things like paper blowing in the wind can scare them. If they are frightened when crossing water they can drown without trying to save themselves. If no one is around to watch over them, the sheep can get lost and into trouble. That’s why sheep need a shepherd to care for them and protect them from danger.
Jesus tells us a good shepherd takes care of his sheep by giving them good pasture to graze, water, and protection from bad weather, other animals and dangers. A good shepherd knows each of his sheep. When they hear his voice calling, they follow because they know his voice and trust him. A good shepherd is willing to die for his sheep because he loves them.
Jesus says a hired man paid to take care of sheep will not give the same care as the shepherd because the sheep don’t belong to him. When a wolf comes near the sheep, the hired man cares more about saving himself than about saving the sheep.
Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me.” First, Jesus says, “I know mine.” Like the shepherd in the Gospel, Jesus loves us, cares for us, and watches over us. He knows each of us by name. He knows everything about us — what we like, what makes us happy or sad, and what we need. He calls us to follow him. As Jesus’ followers we belong to his flock. Jesus is always with us to protect us and show us the right way to go. Jesus loves us so much he suffered and died on the cross and rose from the dead so that someday we can share happiness in heaven with him forever.
Jesus also says, “… and mine know me.” We know Jesus in his teachings, in the Scriptures, in prayer, in the lives of the saints, in the people around us who love us and care for us — our parents, family, friends, priests, sisters, teachers, and others. We know Jesus in people who are sick, poor, lonely, and in need of help. We know Jesus in the Eucharist when we receive his Body and Blood in holy Communion and are sent forth to love and serve others. The Easter season is a season of joy because Jesus lives and we know him.
Ask Mom or Dad to read Psalm 23 to you and explain what it says about “The Lord is my Shepherd.”
(Couture is a catechist at St. Aloysius Parish, West Allis.) |
