As we continue reflecting on the Good Shepherd, we wonder what this life of abundance we are offered is. What
makes me feel as though I have life in abundance? Does it concern relationship and connectedness to God, myself, others and all creation?
The good shepherd is distinguished from false shepherds by the good shepherd's relationship with the sheep. When dealing with authority without a relationship, I need to question the route I am taking. When I have a relationship with the Good Shepherd, I have an intimacy that allows me to hear the shepherd’s voice and open my heart so that I see more clearly, experience the shepherd's
touch and follow with greater understanding, clarity, and peace, even in my unknowing.
During this Easter season, we anticipate
and long for Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit afresh in us. The Spirit of Love, the mutual love between the lover and the beloved, constantly showers us with gifts and blessings, being present among us and within us until the end of time. Will we become more aware of the presence of God, find our freedom in our God of love, and participate in creating a world of love through the graces of the Spirit?
The Spirit of Christ is with us when we come from God, as we remain in God and as we return to God. On this journey, will we deepen our relationship with our Triune God? We find God by going into the world. Am I
seeking intimacy like that between Father and Son? When we do this and live to share the love we are given, we live abundantly. We are truly home, free, safe, and at peace, even if we are also experiencing difficulties.
We are created from love, of love and for love. Our resurrection life is already gifted now. It will come to its fullness once we walk through the doorway of death. We have a good shepherd to guide us on the way and remain with us and in us. The more closely we follow, the more we see the path of love. It is in following the path of love of the Good Shepherd that the abundance of life is
experienced. As resurrection people, we come home to God’s reign of love now and always.
Am I ready to surrender to following the Good Shepherd, who loves me, in a love
relationship?
What are the assumptions, values and priorities which I need to reconcile to follow the Good Shepherd more closely?
Can I trust that the Good Shepherd will lead me into abundant life, is the gateway to finding the way home?
With whom will I share the message of love given by the Good Shepherd?
Reflection by Kath Knowles
