Acts 13:14, 43-52;
Rev 7:9, 14-17; Jn 10:27-30
By virtue of our
baptism we become members of the sheepfold of Christ. We are the flock and
Jesus is the Shepherd who deeply cares for us.
Jesus says that his
sheep hear his voice and follow him. Is this true with us? Are we good
listeners and faithful followers of Christ? Listening is important because it
is the beginning of understanding. We cannot truly follow Jesus unless we
understand him. We listen to Jesus when we decide to find time alone with him
in prayer. This also happens when we read his Word and seriously reflect on it.
A sheep is safe
with its shepherd, but not when it wonders around or follows a different path.
Similarly, we are secure when we observe the commandments of God or follow the
ways of the Lord. Once we pay attention to the enticements of the devil, our
life is in danger. Adam and Eve listened to the devil and suffered the
consequences. If only they had eaten the snake instead of the fruit, they would
have enjoyed paradise for eternity. The sad fate of our first parents will also
be ours if we refuse to follow the guidance of the Good Shepherd.
The Lord promises
that the sheep which listen to his voice and follow him will never perish or be
lost. These reassuring words should inspire us to remain with Jesus all the
days of our life. We all will die someday. Some of us would perish from old age
or incurable disease; others from natural disasters; still some others from
violent deaths. But, if we are genuine disciples, our souls will not perish in
eternity. The second reading describes the destiny of God’s children: “They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike
them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be
their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God
will wipe away every tear from their eyes”
(Rev 7:16-17). Lasting joy and consolation await those who follow the Lord
faithfully.
Following the Lord
leads to everlasting life, but discipleship is never easy. Discipleship always
brings with it trials and persecutions. The first reading narrates how Paul and
Barnabas were persecuted and expelled by the Jews for proclaiming the Word of
God to the gentiles. Many of us would also experience hardships and strong
oppositions in doing our tasks as Christians. Some might even suffer martyrdom
for promoting the values of the kingdom. And yet, no matter how great the cost
of following Jesus is, we know that we are not left alone to our own resources.
The Good Shepherd will always be there to guide, inspire, protect and
strengthen us.
A Sunday school teacher decided to have her
young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible: Psalm 23.
She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick was excited
about the task – but, he just couldn’t remember the Psalm. After much practice,
he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to
recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was
his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my
Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.” (The story is from
an unknown author)
