Just Like the Good Shepherd!

Monday, May 12, 2025

Acts 11:1-18; Jn 10:1-10

Following the celebration yesterday, today’s Gospel continues its reflection on Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Jesus’ skillful use of shepherding, a familiar sight in ancient Israel, must have certainly reminded his listeners of the Old Testament passages like Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34. 

Here, the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd is contrasted with the corrupt leaders who are denounced as false shepherds, as they come only to steal, kill, and destroy. 

In two ways, Jesus shows himself to be the Good Shepherd. 

1. More than the fact that the Good Shepherd enters through the gate, his goodness is revealed in the way he knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Unlike those false shepherds, who would make a shield out of their sheep to selfishly protect themselves in the event of an attack by wild animals or thieves, Jesus the Good Shepherd walks ahead, making himself a shield for the sheep he loves. In his guidance and protection, the sheep do not panic and follow him in peace. 

2. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, claims that he is the gate. In literal terms, his words assure care and protection for those sheep inside because, as the gate, he prevents the hostile forces from entering the sheepfold. In spiritual terms, the ‘gate imagery’ is profound and powerful because it reflects the Johannine theme of Jesus as the sole access to the Father. ‘Life in fullness’ is the promise of Jesus, and he sacrifices himself to keep his word. 

Let us pray that, inspired by Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we may live out the Christ-centered shepherding. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar