Daily Mass Gospel Reflection- Loving unworthy Sheep

Word on Fire Ministry ^ | 4-24-2021 | Aux. Bishop of L.A. Robert Barron

[MurphsLaw]

Fourth Sunday of Easter

John 10:11-18

Friends, the image of God as shepherd is a classic one in the Bible. In the book of the prophet Ezekiel, we hear that God would one day come and shepherd Israel himself. Shepherds guarded, guided, protected, and watched over their flocks—just as God guards, guides, protects, and watches over Israel.

This image comes to a climactic expression in the words of Jesus: “I am the good shepherd.” What precisely makes him good? A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The good shepherd is so other-oriented, so devoted to his sheep, that he is willing to surrender his life that they might live.

Sure, a good shepherd should do all that he can to protect and guide his flock, but who among us would really expect him to give his life for them? But this is precisely what Jesus claims to do.

Imagine the difference between humans and sheep; now, multiply that difference infinitely. That would give you some idea of the difference between God and humanity. And yet God is willing to lay down his life for the likes of us.

[MurphsLaw]

+++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. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.
These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice,
and there will be one flock, one shepherd.+++

[Savage Beast]

You must realise that they're lost.

“sin and ignorance are only temporary veils of the soul; wisdom and bliss are its essential nature."
Paramahansa Yogananda

[Marchmain]

The sheep are lost? That’s why they need the shepherd.