Jesus is the Good Shepherd who tirelessly seeks out His sheep, and His love knows no bounds. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) These words reveal the depth of Christ’s love, a love that is neither superficial nor temporary, but one that embraces all of humanity with unwavering devotion. He is not a hired hand who abandons the sheep in times of peril; rather, He stands firm, offering His very life to protect, nurture, and guide His flock.
When we reflect on Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd, we must understand the sheer magnitude of His sacrifice. His love led Him to endure the agony of the Cross for our salvation. He willingly bore the weight of our sins, taking upon Himself the punishment that was rightfully ours. Betrayed, humiliated, scourged, and crucified, Jesus endured it all out of an unfathomable love for each of us. His sacrifice was not an obligation but a willing act of self-giving, demonstrating the ultimate expression of divine love. However, Christ’s love did not end on Calvary. His work as the Good Shepherd continues through His constant presence in our lives. He walks with us, leading us away from sin and toward the green pastures of righteousness. He is our guide, our protector, and our sustainer. He knows each one of us intimately, calling us by name and leading us with gentle authority. “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:14) This deep, personal knowledge means that no matter how lost or broken we may feel, Christ never turns away. Instead, He draws near, lifting us from our despair and setting us back on the path of grace.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd searching for lost sheep to illustrate the depth of His mercy. In Matthew 18:12-14, He tells us of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek out the one lost sheep. This parable reveals that no soul is insignificant in the eyes of God. When we stray from Him, He does not abandon us. Instead, He pursues us with relentless love, calling us back to Him with open arms. How often do we feel lost, confused, or isolated in our struggles? How frequently do we allow sin, despair, or the distractions of the world to lead us away from the safety of Christ’s fold? Yet even in these moments, Christ does not give up on us. His love is steadfast, unwavering, and all-encompassing. Even when we fail to recognise His voice, He continues to call us, seeking to bring us back into His embrace.
The love of Christ is not conditional, quickly passing, or dependent on our worthiness. It is a love that transcends our faults, our failures, and our shortcomings. It is a love that heals, redeems, and restores. Christ does not love us because we are perfect—He loves us despite our imperfections and desires our sanctification. His love is not merely an emotion; it is a genuine life-changing force that reforms our hearts, leading us toward holiness. We must, therefore, open our hearts to His love. The Good Shepherd invites us to trust in His guidance, to surrender ourselves fully to His care, and to allow Him to lead us to true peace. When we follow Him, we begin to reflect His own selfless love in our daily lives. We become more compassionate, more forgiving, and more willing to serve others, especially those who are suffering or in need.
As we partake in the Holy Eucharist, we must remember that it is the ultimate expression of the Good Shepherd’s love. In this most blessed sacrament, Christ gives us His very self—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.” (John 6:56) This is the real presence of Jesus, sustaining and nourishing our souls. Through the Eucharist, the Shepherd strengthens His sheep, ensuring that they remain close to Him. Each time we receive the Eucharist, we are invited to renew our commitment to follow Christ, to trust in His providence, and to remain within His loving fold. The Eucharist is a sacrament of love, a gift that sustains us on our journey of faith, drawing us ever closer to the heart of the Good Shepherd.
To be true followers of Jesus Christ, we must also imitate Him in our lives. Just as He laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down our lives in service to others. This means embracing selflessness, offering forgiveness, and showing mercy. It means seeking out the lost, comforting the sorrowful, and guiding those who have strayed. Where confusion and spiritual darkness surround us, we are called to shine the light of Christ. Through prayer, regular Bible reading and study, and participation in the Sacraments, we strengthen our relationship with Him, allowing His love to shape our words and actions. The Good Shepherd not only calls us to follow Him but to share in His mission—to shepherd others with the same love and devotion that He has shown to us.
May we never forget that we are precious in His sight, cherished beyond all measure. No matter how far we have wandered, the Good Shepherd remains near, ready to carry us home. His voice calls out to us each day—through Scripture, through the Church, through the stillness of our hearts. May each of us listen attentively, respond faithfully, and follow Him without hesitation.
With unwavering confidence in His care, may we entrust our lives to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who loves us beyond all comprehension and who leads us ever closer to the eternal pastures of His heavenly kingdom.
May God bless you +
Fr. Charles
9 July 2023
