Recognized as a Lamb Worthy of Love
A Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
In the suburbs, farm animals are randomly sighted. An occasional horse ranch is nestled among residences, while cows are sometimes found grazing in pastures along rural highways. Although farmhands are responsible for herding cattle, suburbanites like us usually find employment elsewhere. Our literal disconnection need not blind us from the dignity of a good shepherd’s life and ultimately as an honorable title for the beloved Son.
Jesus Christ and his countrymen knew the life of a shepherd well. Even as an experienced carpenter, miracle worker, master teacher, and renowned storyteller, Jesus has keen insights to share with his listeners. He recognizes everyone as a lamb worthy of love.
Neither disinterested hired hands, nor wolves, nor storms, nor evening our own wounded past or sinful present will stop him from offering his life for our salvation. His willingness to “lay down [his] life for the sheep” (John 10:15b) concerns every person no matter his or her circumstances, for “we are God’s children now” (1 Jn 3:2).
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. We are invited to pray for bishops, priests, and deacons, along with other leaders who serve the Church as catechists, pastoral counselors, and other ministry associates. May they remain open to the Holy Spirit, especially when prompted to exercise humility and sacrificial love. Let us pray our Church leaders will make a daily act of consecration in the model of Jesus Christ.
Fully present in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, our gracious Lord readily shares the will of God the Father. Let us adore him, listen with the ear of the heart, and embody his merciful love wherever we go.
By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes (Ps.118:23; NABRE Version)
Painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner, “The Good Shepherd" (c.1914, Pennsylvania)