Shepherd for the shepherds

May 15, 2011

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Ac 4,8-12 . 1Jn 3,1-2

Jn 10,11-18

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Sometimes, we say that the religious life or the priesthood is one of the most out-of-this-world occupations this time around. Aside from being old school in terms of ways, appearance and demeanor, there are some priests (NOT ALL!...) whom people can't just take because of their 'Padre Damaso' behavior: suplado, maldito, pintasero, and sometimes medyo bastos. When one priest or religious does something wrong, expect it to be on the broadsheets the next day; when another priest is given a significant award or citation, expect nothing in the news tomorrow. We can't blame it. They are considered by the significant majority as weirdos, as people who are not in with the modern norms, as an evidence of a civilization which is almost in its 'doom,' as others do say. 

But for us Christians, we consider the religious life as a blessing, a gift of God to the Church. Their consoling words, their unending prayers, and their friendly company make up for the loneliness, emptiness and sadness which we usually experience through everyday. Isn't it true that when we talk to a priest, brother or nun, the burden seems lessened, the problem lightened, and our view more illuminated? As shepherds in their own little way, they fulfill the task entrusted to them by the Lord to lead the flock to the Father.

I am the good shepherd,

and I know mine and mine know me,

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;

and I will lay down my life for the sheep.

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus used every means possible to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to all of us here on Earth. He healed the sick, cast out demons, exhorted some good people, fed the thousands,  raised some dead people, and preached the Gospel throughout Israel and Judea. More than the credit he gained, he gradually led his believers to the fulfillment of God's Will in due time.

I am the Good Shepherd. 

A Good Shepherd lays his life down for the sheep.

Jesus showed a perfect example of offering his life for the sake of all of us. As he was hung upon the Cross, he showed the ultimate end of being a Savior. As he dies, he drew everyone to himself, and offered them back to the Father as a sign of the fulfillment of every written prophecy. He left no one behind, as everyone is included in the plan of God's salvation. 

This is why the Father loves me,

because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.

I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.

But as he gives his life, he takes it up again! In his resurrection, Jesus shows that he has all the power to conquer sin and death, which separated us from his Father. He lives for us, the sheep, as he once died for our cause. He never dies, for he is risen over death and expiration has no more power over him. He continuously guide us towards the green pastures, which is Heaven alone.

This mission of the Lord is continued by the ministers of His Church. It is really consoling to see its clergy and religious continuing Christ's task of shepherding the flock. Yes, they have flaws just like the rest of us, but despite this, we can still see clearly the mark of God's loving compassion. They continue to shepherd us In persona Christi capitis, and we are more imbibed by the presence of Jesus in them.

But during the course of time, shepherds come and shepherds go. As our elder heads retreat from the ministry, new ones come and take their place. As I said earlier, these shepherds of ours are considered by the modern world as weirdos and out-of-this-world citizens. Yet, how sweet it could be when among the people of our society, one stands differently and decides to follow Christ's call! How great it is when we lead the people of God in praising his Holy Name and celebrating the Holy Banquet of salvation!

Vocations, though scarce, can lead us to something great! And it is our task, as the Church, to continuously pray for it. Jesus calls us ultimately, by name, to partake in his mission of leading the people of God towards the Kingdom, and it is more than better if we respond with a big Amen instead of saying pass and regret it later. If we can follow the shepherd, we can certainly be shepherds ourselves!

Let us pray for more vocations as we observe today's celebration. We can help somebody discern deeper with our spiritual support, which is prayer. Let us not turn out heads back at this need of the Church. As Jesus offered his life as the Good Shepherd, so we should also ask his grace to call among his children to follow his steps.


The world needs more shepherds. We can ask them from no one else but the Shepherd who is the Lord and Master of all Shepherds!