Daily Catholic Lectio. Sun, 21 Apr 2024. Being a Good Shepherd

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sunday, 21 April 2024

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 4:8-12. 1 John 3:1-2. John 10:11-18

Being a Good Shepherd

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is celebrated as ‘Good Shepherd Sunday.’ ‘Shepherd’ is one of the key metaphors that the people of Israel used to refer to the Lord God. Kind David acclaims, “The Lord is my shepherd. And there is nothing I shall want.” The statement of Jesus – ‘I am the Good shepherd’ is an invitation to accept Jesus as our shepherd and to follow him as sheep.

The metaphor of ‘shepherd-sheep’ may not be suitable in the context of the synodal exercise that we have been undertaking. The Church today needs shepherds like Jesus; it does not need a sheepish mindset.

On this day, we pray for priestly and religious vocations. Let us take a moment to pray for them and for the local church, our country, family, and workplace. May we be blessed by good shepherds everywhere.

Jesus puts forward three qualities of the Good Shepherd: (a) ‘He lays down his life for the sheep,’ (b) ‘He knows the sheep,’ and (c) ‘He goes in search of the lost ones.’

(a) Laying down one’s life

Jesus’ promise of laying down is fulfilled on Calvary when he offers himself as a sacrifice. The dedication or commitment lacks in the hired men. For they don’t take our peace of mind. The hired men look out for their safety, while the shepherd looks out for the security of the sheep.

(b) Knowing the sheep

In the Biblical worldview, ‘knowing’ signifies ‘establishing a relationship.’ The relationship between Father and Jesus is transferred to the disciples. Abiding in Jesus brings forth fruits. In the second reading, John invites us to keep human love.

(c) Going in search of those who have lost their way

This shows Jesus’ inclusive thinking and accommodation. No one is left behind. In the first reading, Peter was interrogated by the Sanhedrin. The disciples proclaim the power of Jesus’ name. Jesus makes the corner stones into the cornerstone.

How do we apply these three principles to our lives?

(a) By seeking the wellness of other – by putting others first.

(b) By establishing relationships with all – by developing internal relationships with.

(c) By going in search of the lost ones – by leaving our comfort zones.

Let’s strive in every way to become a Good Shepherd like Jesus.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy