Jesus is the Good Shepherd who tirelessly seeks out His sheep, and His love knows no bounds. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.” (John 10:11). These words reveal the depth of Jesus’ love for us. He is not a hired hand who abandons the sheep in times of danger or difficulty. Instead, He willingly sacrifices Himself for us, His beloved flock. Just imagine the depth of this love—the love that led Jesus to endure the agony of the Cross for our salvation. He took upon Himself the weight of our sins, bearing the punishment that we deserved. He suffered humiliation, betrayal, and death, all out of love for you and me. This is the measure of His love—selfless, sacrificial, and unfathomable.

However, Jesus’ love does not end with His sacrifice on the Cross. He continues to shepherd us, guiding us on the path of righteousness, protecting us from the snares of the evil one, and leading us to eternal life. He knows each one of us intimately, and He calls us by name. He is the Good Shepherd who seeks out the lost sheep and rejoices when they are found. (Matthew 18:10-14)

In our lives, we may often feel lost, confused, or alone. We may wander off the path and find ourselves in the wilderness of sin and despair. Even in those moments, Jesus never abandons us. His love is steadfast and unwavering. He searches for us tirelessly, calling us back to Himself.

The love of Jesus is not conditional or fleeting. It is a love that transcends our faults and shortcomings. It is a love that embraces us in our brokenness and offers us forgiveness and healing. It is a love that fills us with hope, joy, and peace. It is a love that gives us purpose and meaning in life. We should open our hearts to the love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Let us allow His love to transform us, heal our wounds, and guide us on the right path. Let us trust in God’s providence and surrender ourselves completely to His care.

As we partake in the Eucharist today, let us remember that it is the ultimate expression of Jesus’ love for us. In the bread and wine, we encounter His very presence—His Body, Blood, soul, and divinity. It is a sacrament of love, a gift that nourishes and sustains us on our journey.

May we always seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments. May we strive to imitate His selfless love in our interactions with others, particularly those in need. And may we never forget that we are precious in His eyes, cherished and loved beyond measure.

God bless you +