Following The Leader: A Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)

Every year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church invites us to reflect on the tenth chapter of John’s Gospel and the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus underscores the fact that the sheep of His flock recognize and respond to His voice. The Good Shepherd calls His sheep to Himself and loves and protects them. We may not realize it, but we are called to imitate Jesus in His role as Good Shepherd.

For some Christians, their vocation clearly presents a parallel to Jesus the Shepherd. Think of the father or mother called to protect and love their children. Or the priest who is called to care for the flock of the parish and who must use his voice to lead people not to himself but always to Christ. But what about the senior in high school or college? Aren’t they called to be shepherds to younger students? They need to look beyond their own needs and genuinely offer service and care for the others in their academic community.

Single women and men are also called to imitate the Good Shepherd. How many sacrifice to care for an aging parent or a sibling with special needs? Often, we see them volunteer to be the first to work on community and church projects, often giving extra time so parents and grandparents can go home and care for their children or grandchildren. Many times, single men and women mentor younger adults in need of direction and purpose. As mentors, they can have a profound effect on the lives of others because there is a freedom from expectation or disappointment which can be present in many familial relationships.

Friends of all ages imitate Christ the Good Shepherd when they place the good of the other above their own wants and desires. They truly deserve the title of Good Shepherd when they treat friends with honesty, generosity, and love. The friend as shepherd always looks to be a servant to the other, encouraging and building up the other without judgment or censure.  

Have you considered how many ways you are called to be the Good Shepherd for someone else? My guess is you may have never really thought about how you act in imitation of Christ; but you do. Part of the humility of being a disciple of Jesus is to claim how we are like Him and strive to serve the needs of others. Take some time this week to recognize your gifts and talents and how you use them for building up others. In other words, pray about how you imitate the Good Shepherd.