In the early morning, the shepherds would collect their sheep from the overnight holding pen. They would call
their sheep by name to lead them out to pasture. The ‘leading out’ reminds us of Moses leading the Israelites out of captivity. Moses, the shepherd, leads the people to freedom. We have a long journey ahead, a journey needing shepherding, a journey to freedom.
The sheep knew the voice of their shepherd and followed him. They did not follow strangers because they knew and trusted their shepherd. The shepherds knew their sheep, each one individually and knew if one was missing or one injured or another unwell and tended to each one carefully. There was a relationship between
the shepherd and each sheep. The shepherd led, and the sheep followed. Most sheep were kept for wool, so they spent years following the shepherd who knew where the good pastures were, where to find refreshing water and where there were dangers. He was dedicated to his sheep.
The believers are compared to sheep. The shepherd is noble. The relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is analogous to the relationship between Father and Son, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own, and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” (John 10:14). Can I imagine the depth of
relationship expressed here?
Jesus knows each of us, too. He knows our life situations, strengths and weaknesses, doubts and faith, and
journey. He knows when we are discouraged and tend to stray or follow a path that will not serve us well. Furthermore, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, never deserts us. Instead, he goes ahead to divert us from dangers and to show us the way. He stops to assist when needed. He is not a blind guide but an all-seeing guide whose faithfulness and compassion are beyond measure.
Do I need a shepherd?
How do I sense that I
am hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd? St. Ignatius suggests that God’s ‘voice’ feels like a drop of water on a sponge, as opposed to a drop of water on a stone.
When do I hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?
Do I long to follow that voice?
What is my relationship with Jesus?
Christ is my Good Shepherd to eternity. Will I follow?
Reflection by Kath Knowles
