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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2009 /  We follow the voice of our Good Shepherd

by Fr. Richard C. Macey special to The Michigan Catholic
Published April 24, 2009

On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, it is fitting that the Gospel is about the Christ the Good Shepherd.

First Reading: Acts 4:8-12

Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. The two disciples had been "teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead" (Acts 4:2). Peter turns the focus of the trial from the disciples to the leaders and elders. By using the name, Jesus Christ the Nazorean, Peter combines both the historical Jesus and the Risen Christ. The leaders of the people crucified Him, but God cancelled the effect of their action and raised Him from the dead. Thus, the name of Jesus had power, which could heal and bring about the possibility of salvation to the whole human race. The fact that a cripple was healed in the name of Jesus was not challenged by the court, since the cripple was present during the proceedings (Acts 4:14).

Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2

The author turns his attention to the importance of the communion of life with God. Twice in these verses, he observes that the listeners are "children of God." Children resemble their parents, so he writes that "we shall be like Him." As members of the family of God, they will also "see Him as He is." He also emphasizes the favorable relationship which the people have with God. To be children of God also eliminates the possibility of becoming deified and replacing God. There is a subservient relationship between God and mankind, but it is much closer than that of a master to a slave.

The word "love" is the same one used for God's relationship to His people in the Old Testament. It reflected His covenant love for the people, whom He chose. It is this love of God, which brings about the relationship, which now exists between the believer and God.

Gospel: John 10:11-18

The image of a shepherd was often used in the Scriptures for the civil and religious leaders of the people. Usually they were accused of not fulfilling that role on behalf of the people. Jesus follows in the role of the prophet, who challenges the leaders of the people to live up to their moral commitment of service.

The shepherd is contrasted with the "hired man." In fact, the hired man is "not a shepherd." There is no relationship that exists between the hired man and the sheep, while the beneficial relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is what identifies the role of the shepherd. This passage helps define an aspect of Johannine Christology, the way in which the evangelist presents the meaning of Jesus Christ in the life of the community.

The reference to "other sheep that do not belong to this fold" has had a running commentary by exegetes. Some feel that the evangelist is referring to the Gentile Christians, who are joining the early Church and must be united together with the Jewish Christians. Others have thought that the passage refers to successive divisions in the Christian community, such as the Gnostic Christians or even later divisions in the Christian community, such as the Protestants.

Being a good shepherd, a good pastor, is more than just doing one's job. It requires building a close relationship of trust with the people to whom one is sent. One of our priests went into a parish that needed much reorganizing and setting some goals – besides paying off some outstanding debts! That was a painful task for the people and the new pastor. Some of the people, including a staff person, resented the call to responsible actions. Those people organized an attempt to force the pastor out. They planned to force him out by forcing the issue at a parish council meeting. The new pastor had won over many others by his attention to their needs, the remodeling of the school, and a visible presence at many meetings. When the council meeting began, the dissenters were outnumbered 10 to one by the flock, who was concerned for their pastor. Sometimes even good shepherds need help from those they were sent to serve.

God continues to call others to cooperate with the Good Shepherd to care for His flock. Indeed, God calls everyone to follow the example of the Good Shepherd of us all.