Hanna-Cheriyan Varghese,
Tomorrow is a double feast- Good Shepherd Sunday and Mother’s Day. We will celebrate both in our hearts and prayers. We have not bred our sheep for five years now, but one of our Oblate neighbors brought us 7 lambs- they romp around bringing much joy.
One of the most moving passages in Scripture about God as Good Shepherd is found in Isaiah (40:10-11)
“Here comes with power, the Lord God, who rules by His strong arm; Here is His reward with Him, His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He feeds His flock; In His arms He gathers the lambs, Carrying them in His bosom, leading the ewes with care.”
Jesus didn’t come to save only the Jewish people, and while He started with the lost sheep of
“I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know me — just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves Me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again.” (John 10:14-16).
When Jesus claimed to be the Good Shepherd, He called to anyone who would listen to his voice. Having raised sheep for over 30 years, I can attest to this, as my sheep could hear my voice far from the fields, and would answer to me.
Isabela Couto, Brazil
Why does Jesus refer to Himself as Good? The Greek word kalos, translated “good,” describes that which is noble, wholesome, good, and beautiful. It signifies not only that which is good inwardly but also that which is attractive outwardly. It is an innate goodness. Therefore, in using the phrase “the good shepherd,” Jesus is referring to His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty.
In this month of May we honor our Blessed Mother as well as our own mothers. Mary, as mother, is the guardian of the Divine Shepherd, Jesus Christ. This is why the title "Divine Shepherdess" should be read as Shepherdess of the Divine Shepherd. The title is well known in several Latin American countries, where she is known as the "Divina Pastora."
Just as we hear the voice of Jesus, through the Scriptures and through the teaching of
Just as Jesus laid down His life for His sheep, so too do good mothers give their lives for their children. To mothers everywhere a Blessed Day!
Rudolph Valentino Bostic,