good-shepherd

Jesus is willing to save the one.

“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it” (Lk 15:4)?

At first hearing, how many of those present hearing the parable, or us today reading it, would answer yes? To most of us it would not make sense to leave the ninety-nine to go and search for the one that was lost.

What this parable represents is the love that God has for each and everyone of us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. God loves us with an everlasting love and is continually reaching out to us because he is the foundation and source of who we are. He wills our good and wants the best for us, even when we may not see the truth. This parable also represents a microcosm of the public ministry of Jesus.

Jesus met people one on one, person to person. He encountered the blind, the lame, the leper, the Syrophoenician woman, the woman at the well, the woman accused of adultery, the daughter of Jairus, the widow’s son, and Lazarus. Jesus not only healed these people and so many others who were considered to be on the outside looking in, he restored their dignity as human beings. Jesus loved each of them as a unique person.

In crafting this parable of the good shepherd seeking the lost sheep, Jesus may be echoing, Isaiah. He prophesied that because the leadership of his time was not bringing back the stray nor seeking out the lost, God would “appoint one shepherd over them, to pasture them” (See Ezekiel 34:23). Jesus sought out and continues to seek out the lost, no matter how far we have strayed, or messed up, Jesus loves comes for us.

He opens his arms and invites us into his loving embrace so that we may feel and experience the beating of his Sacred Heart. As we enter into that sacred rhythm, all our anxiety, fears, and pain begin to fade away and we begin to heal. We begin to experience our dignity as we experience being loved for who we are, not defined by our worst sins nor by what we do.

We just need to be willing to be found and allow him to lift us up on his shoulders and carry us back into the fold. As we do so and as we continue to experience his love, we will come to believe and say, as did St Paul,“Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword?… Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of him who has loved us” (cf. Romans 8:35-37).

Once we slow down enough to place our head on the chest of and experience the beating of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, renew in the rhythm of it, we will experience his peace and rest. We too are to love with the same radical love of the Shepherd who left the ninety-nine to rescue the one, who just happens to be us if we are willing to be rescued.

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Photo: Stain glass window at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles, CA

Link for the Mass readings for Friday, June 27, 2025, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Let us trust in the Good Shepherd who loves and will take care of us.

“[T]he shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:4)

Jesus, distinguished himself as the Good Shepherd who cared for his sheep instead of “thieves and robbers” who sought to harm the sheep. In referencing, “thieves and robbers” Jesus continued his calling out those Pharisees from chapter nine. Those who did not listen to his voice and those who were not leading God’s sheep with care.

The imagery of the shepherds is an echo back to past abuses such as in the time of Ezekiel who spoke out against those leaders who had “been pasturing themselves”, and who failed to “strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured”. Thus the sheep of God’s flock, “were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts. They were scattered and wandered over all the mountains and high hills; over the entire surface of the earth my sheep were scattered. No one looked after them or searched for them” (Ezekiel 34:2-10).

God, the eternal Shepherd, spoke through Ezekiel and said: “I will take my sheep out of their hand and put a stop to their shepherding my flock, so that these shepherds will no longer pasture them” (Ezekiel 34:10). Jesus is the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy. Jesus is the Son who God sent to do just that. Jesus has come to gather the lost sheep and bring them to green pastures, and lead them with his voice to eternal life.

Even today, we have experienced so much abuse of power and corruption, self-seeking and self-aggrandizement, that we are weary and have lost faith in our leaders and institutions. Yet, all is not lost. Jesus is still among his flock and calling his sheep to himself. Let us not be deaf to the call of the Good Shepherd because of the “robbers and thieves” that have climbed over the fence and into the sheepfold.

Let us instead, listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. We do so when we make the time to be still and wait upon the Lord to call. We do so when we resist the temptation to run away or react out of fear. We do so when we are patient and trust in the voice of the Good Shepherd who has our best interest in mind and will care for us. Jesus will not harm us, he loves us. We may have been wounded or hurt when we have gone astray or even when we thought we were safe in the sheep pen. We can trust Jesus when he seeks to come close. His healing may provide suffering for a time, as healing will do, but as we remain close to him, his healing balm will prevail. We will be healed, renewed, and restored.

Jesus loves us, knows and calls each of us by name. Mary Magdalene in her grief didn’t recognize Jesus when she met him after his resurrection, but when he called her by name she recognized his voice. May we, like Mary, remain still long enough so that we can allow the Good Shepherd to come close, trust him, and his voice even amidst the cacophony of so many other voices, robbers, and thieves. May we be patient and only move when the Good Shepherd calls our name and then follow his lead.

Photo: Accessed from IG Post: Strength_in_jesus_1

Link for the Mass readings for Monday, May 12, 2025

When we spend time with the Good Shepherd, we will come to know his voice, as well as know, trust and follow him.

“…the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice” (Jn 10:4). This verse is one of the keys to growing in the spiritual life and becoming a disciple of Jesus. Amidst all the voices, distractions, diversions, and temptations clamoring for our attention, we want to develop an ear to hear and a mind to discern the voice of the Good Shepherd. There are so many directions we can take and opportunities we can be enticed by, many that are detrimental, but more challenging those that are good in and of themselves.

Jesus came to us so that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10). To live life, not merely survive, and do so abundantly, it is imperative to be able to discern the distinction between apparent goods and the true Good. An apparent good is appealing, attractive, and desirable, though once experienced, we conclude that it was indeed not good for us after all. We can see this in the promotion of processed foods, with additives and an excess incentive of enticing the taste buds with salts and sugars. The experience of eating many of these products is that they taste good going down, especially if eaten quickly and not savored, such that we can often eat them to excess. They not only have little, if any nutritional value, more importantly, if this is the main source of our nutrition, over time, we will feel the ill effects of eating in this way. They will actually sap our life force.

The same is true regarding how we spend our time and treasure. We all have the same amount of time in the day. In what ways do we use our time, who is it that we are listening to regarding how we use the time we have been given? What are we investing our time and treasure in? Do we listen to the Father of Lies or the Good Shepherd?

A good practice for developing an ear to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd is to resist making decisions impulsively, unconsciously, or from reaction, no matter how small the decision may be. When we discern, let us slow ourselves down by first taking a few, deep slow breaths and call on the guidance of the Good Shepherd. This is good to do in all areas of our lives. Let us pray before we speak, think, or do anything! We can ask ourselves each time, is what I am about to decide hindering or helping me to become a better disciple, to grow closer in my relationship with God, to be true to myself and who God is calling me to be?

When we combine this with a daily practice of reading, praying, and meditating with the words of the Bible, participating in Mass, and Confession, over time and through various experiences, we will come to better discern the voice of Jesus. Having a core group of people who we can trust is another avenue of hearing God. Having the humility to receive their perspectives and to help keep us accountable helps us to stay on the path. In dedicating ourselves to follow the way of the Good Shepherd and resisting to stray when distractions and diversions arise, we will not only be more confident in knowing the voice of the Shepherd, we will begin to know the Shepherd himself.

The wicked shepherds of the Old Testament and the religious leaders we heard about today, refused to listen to the voice of God or Jesus.  Jesus shared that he and the Father are One, and the line of hardening of the heart continued. They did not know the Shepherd’s voice nor do they know him. They did not know the Son nor the Father who sent him. Ezekiel prophesied that God would come himself to gather his flock (cf. Ezekiel 34). He did so in the person of his Son whom he sent. For as Jesus said, “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30). Do we believe, do we hear, and if we do, will we follow the Good Shepherd this day and each day?

Photo: Accessed from stlukesokc.org

Link for the Mass readings for Sunday, May 11, 2025

Just as the sun will rise, we know Jesus will be there for us no matter what.

Jesus continues to present the imagery of the shepherd in today’s Gospel reading from John. He offers the assurance of security and protection that is to be found for those that are in his fold when he says, “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 the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one” (Jn 10:28-30). How does one enter the fold of the Good Shepherd? All who hear his voice and follow him will be known by him and so be a part of his flock.

Yet, there are those who hear his voice and do not recognize the Shepherd. They do not follow him and so are not known by him, although he seeks them out. They may know about the Shepherd, have heard of him, but do not know him. Their hearts and minds are closed. They do not believe in his miracles, his exorcisms, his teachings, and the question of those opposing him in today’s reading is, “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly” (Jn 10:24). Jesus did just that by saying that he and the Father are one. The response to the forthright comment of Jesus is that those who are closed to his answer pick up rocks to throw at him (see Jn 10:31).

Jesus offers the gift of relationship with him and his Father, to experience the love shared between them, the Holy Spirit. This offer is without condition. Jesus is open about who he is, who we are, and who we can become in participation with him. Those who say no to his invitation do so for their own reasons; a demand for proof, a listing of the terms and conditions that need to be met first, assurances sought for, and/or excuses offered, diversions, distractions, temptations… Just as Jesus invites us to freely come to him, he will only come so far as we are willing to receive him. He does not conform to us or to our will.  Jesus does not need us, yet he loves us by willing our ultimate good.

Even we who have said yes, only go so far. We hedge our bets, dip our toes into the water, and maybe go in ankle-deep, but not too many of us are willing to relinquish control, let go, and surrender fully all at once. Jesus offers, eternal life, true, but also a life of meaning and fulfillment now. A perfect life? No. There will continue to be challenges, conflicts, mistakes, and misfires as well as Jesus’ voice continuing to call us to follow him to go into deeper waters, to seek freedom and healing from our anxieties, fears, and weaknesses. He urges us to face conflicts, to be disciplined in resisting temptations, and to continue to surrender and trust him.

Through all our experiences, the ups and downs, the only assurance is that we are not alone. No matter what we may face today or tomorrow, just as we know the sun will rise, we can be trust that Jesus will never let us go and no one can take us out of his hand. Each step of the journey we take, we can be confident that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, will be there to guide and protect us.

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Photo: Looking up while praying my holy hour during Holy Week at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center, North Palm Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Stop, breath, and listen.

“…the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice” (Jn 10:4). This verse is one of the keys to growing in the spiritual life and becoming a disciple of Jesus. Amidst all the voices, distractions, diversions, and temptations clamoring for our attention, we want to develop an ear to hear and a mind to discern his voice. There are so many directions we can take and opportunities we can be enticed by, many that are detrimental, but more challenging are those that are good in and of themselves.

Jesus came to us so that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10). To live life to the fullest, to actualize our potential, we need to be able to discern the distinction between apparent goods and the true Good. An apparent good is appealing, attractive, and desirable, though once experienced, we conclude that it was indeed not good for us after all. We can see this in the promotion of processed foods, with additives and an excess incentive of enticing the taste buds with salts and sugars.

The experience of eating many of these products is that they taste good going down, especially if eaten quickly and not savored, such that we often eat them in excess. They not only have little, if any nutritional value, if this is the main source of our nutrition, over time, we will feel the ill effects of eating in this way. When I sit down to eat pizza, there are two clear voices. One voice encourages an eating of the whole pie in one sitting, while another urges a balanced two-slice approach or no slices at all.

There can also be choices between two actual goods. Discerning in each of these areas can be a challenge especially when we make the time to assess how we spend our time, talent, and treasure. We all have the same amount of time in the day. In what ways do we use our time, who is it that we are listening to? What are we investing our treasure in? How do we, or do we access and engage in our talent? Do we listen to the Father of Lies or the Good Shepherd?

A good practice to help develop our ears to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd is to resist making impulsive decisions, no matter how small. When a desire presents itself, instead of impulsively choosing, take a breath, reason it through, pray with Jesus, and seek his guidance. Too often, we skip the step of our reason and prayer, and dive right into the act of our will. Some helpful questions can make a difference: “Is what I am about to decide helping me to become a better disciple, leading me away from or closer to God, to be true to myself and who God is calling me to be?”

Putting this simple step into practice will help us over time and through various experiences come to better discern the voice of Jesus. Inviting a core group of people to talk with, to get their perspectives, to help keep us accountable, can also help us to learn to hear the words of Jesus through others.

May we have ears to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice today, and each day, and the courage and humility to follow his will!

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Photo: Have been blessed again with another wonderful evening to slow down, breathe, and pray; St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for Monday, April 22, 2024

In times of quiet, we come to learn the Good Shepherd’s voice.

I am not sure how many people reading this reflection are shepherds, live on a farm, or raise sheep. The greater majority of us are most likely removed from the daily life and commitment of a shepherd. With such ignorance as our starting point, we can fall prey to a false romanticism of the life of a shepherd as a reaction to the fast pace and hustle and bustle of modern urban and suburban life. The commitment and demands of shepherds during Jesus’ time were demanding, all consuming, with little acknowledgment or recognition. In fact, many shepherds were looked down upon, and groveling at the bottom of the social class of ancient Palestine. Yet, Jesus compared himself to being a shepherd.

Just scratching the surface of the social context of shepherds could help to shed light on John’s Gospel today where Jesus paints an image of himself as the Good Shepherd: “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” (Jn 10:14-15).

Jesus is not just a shepherd, but the good shepherd. A good shepherd lived among his sheep, watched over them, cared for them, helped to birth and raise them, as well as was willing to protect them from predators and thieves. As Pope Francis has shared, the shepherd ought to smell like his sheep. This could be another reason that people were not fond of shepherds. Sheep smell.

His disciples and we may not be fond of being compared to sheep. Yet, the Son of God, has come close to us. He was willing to enter into our humanity so to not only to smell like us, he has taken upon our sin for us on the Cross. He watches and cares, protects and nourishes us with his own Body and Blood, and has given his life for us.

We get in trouble when we stray from his protective care and wander away. Yet, even when we have strayed, Jesus will come when we bay for help and when we are in need. Each one of us is precious and important to him. He will find us if we are willing to be found, if we just call out to him, for he knows our voice. He will come to us and will carry us back home on his shoulders.

Coming to know and understand the voice of the Good Shepherd helps to prevent us from getting lost in the first place. For when we begin to walk in the wrong direction, Jesus calls us back. Are we willing to listen? We come to recognize his voice when we are willing to spend some quiet time with him. Intentionally resting and renewing in his presence and love with the humility and simplicity of a lamb can do wonders.

We can rest our heads on his lap, surrender to him all our cares, doubts, anxieties, and fears. We can rejoice with and share our joys, hopes, and dreams. In his presence we can be healed by confessing any sins that are weighing upon us, allow him to impart some healing balm on past hurts, and let him bind up any recent wounds. At some point in our contemplation, may we abide in the reality and truth of the ultimate gift the Good Shepherd gave: his life given for us, that we might have life in him. A life not merely to exist or survive, but a life of joy, fulfillment, and meaning that will lead to eternity with him and his Father to experience the love of the Holy Spirit.

Photo: Some quiet time to pray and listen, Rosary walk, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for the fourth Sunday of Easter, April 21, 2024