Sheep and Shepherds

1st Reading: Acts 4.7-12
2nd Reading: 1 John 3.1-2
Gospel: John 10.11-18 – Jesus the Good Shepherd

This Sunday we are invited to reflect on the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Jesus shepherds us, His flock, by protecting us from any ravaging dangers, helping us stay in the fold and seeking us when we’re lost. We as sheep must listen to and obey His voice. There is a familiarity and closeness between a shepherd and his sheep, and so too, there is an intimacy between Jesus and us.

As stewards, we are called to imitate Jesus in all ways, including His role as shepherd. We all have people in our lives we are called to look out for, whether it be our families, friends or fellow parishioners. The most important step in effectively shepherding others is to first become a holy sheep in Jesus’ flock. We must seek to grow in prayer and virtue, and through that flows the grace to journey with others heavenward.

Within this call for all of us to be shepherds, God gives a special grace to particular men to more closely imitate the Good Shepherd through the vocation of priesthood. In regards to vocations, Jesus gives us only one instruction: “to pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He may send more labourers” (Matthew 9:38). Therefore, all of us have a role to play in fostering vocations. God continues to call priests, and through our prayers we can help young men answer the call. One great practice we can adopt is praying one Hail Mary every day for an increase in vocations.

Summary

As stewards, we are called to imitate Jesus in all ways, including His role as the Good Shepherd. The most important step in effectively shepherding others is to first become a holy sheep in Jesus’ flock. God also calls many people to more closely shepherd His people in the priesthood and through our prayers, we can help young men answer the call.

www.archtoronto.org/stewardship