Trust in the Good Shepherd

Gospel Reflection for April 22, 2024

“‘Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.’ Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.

So Jesus said again, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came [before me] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:1-10 NABRE)

Jesus offers an analogy in today’s Gospel that helps us to better understand our relationship with Him. Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who leads, guides, cares for, and protects His flock. We are His sheep whom He calls by name.

Whenever we feel lost, alone, or abandoned, and whenever we are scared, confused, or hurt, we can look to Jesus. Like a shepherd tending to His flock, Jesus is ever present to us and loves us more deeply than we could ever imagine. He stands before us and leads the way. We know and recognize His voice, which fills us with peace as He calls each of our names.

Whatever burdens, struggles, and pains we are dealing with, we can bring to our Good Shepherd. He will lift us up and hold us in His arms, care for us, and protect us. He will guide us through the difficult times we face, and provide us with strength and consolation.

May we always trust in our Good Shepherd and never wander astray. Jesus will care for our needs, whatever they may be. So, we must trust and follow Him like a sheep in His flock. This analogy reminds us that there is very little we can do on our own, so may we always trust in and rely on Jesus as our Shepherd.