Scripture:
Reflection:
In our gospel reading, the people complain to Jesus: “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus responds, “I told you and you do not believe.” Then He continues to use the image of a shepherd to refer to Himself: “The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of my Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
When we think of sheep, and when we think of ourselves as sheep, it can be pretty humbling, and perhaps we resist the idea of being sheep, even when it comes to Jesus as the Shepherd. But we are still free to choose. Why would I choose to be a sheep, even to Jesus? Because life has shown me that following myself as the shepherd has not worked. But if I want serenity of heart and peace of mind, I will follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd, even when it comes to carrying a cross.
And I know that I am in Jesus’ hands. He will not abandon me or leave me behind: “No one can take them out of my hand.” The only way I can be out of Jesus’ hands is if I choose to leave Him. It is still my choice.
Now, the thing is, by the grace and love of God, I can still do great things as a sheep. And by an even greater grace, I won’t care who gets the credit! I will just be able to abide in the love of my Shepherd, and follow Him by bringing more love and hope into the world. May God grant us the grace to be good sheep.
Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama.