MAY THEY HAVE LIFE TO THE FULL

IV EASTER SUNDAY - John 10:1-10

Jesus presents himself as a shepherd, not any kind of a shepherd, but the good shepherd (Jn 10:11). And Jesus speaks of the difference between a shepherd and a thief. The thief doesn’t enter through the gate of the sheepfold; he jumps over the fence and breaks in. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (Jn 10:10). He cares not about the welfare of the sheep. In fact, he is only concerned with his own welfare and he puts everything and everybody at his service. He wants to enjoy life the easy way.

We can find already in the Old Testament the figure of the shepherd representing the leaders of the people, be it political or religious. They were chosen or appointed to be at the service of the people, guiding, protecting and defending them. However, many allowed themselves to be totally corrupted, in their search for wealth, power and pleasure. Instead of being servants of the people they became masters who demand the obedient service of their slaves. 

As the good shepherd, Jesus tells us: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.” Jesus came so that we may find peace, joy, salvation and life. And he sacrificed his life for that: “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (Jn 10:11). In his first letter, Peter tells us that “through his wounds, you have been healed. You had gone astray like sheep but now you have come back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” (1 Pet 2:24-25)

In the Catholic Church, this Sunday is dedicated to the vocations. Looking to Jesus as the good shepherd, we must pray for our shepherds - all our leaders - so that they serve their people as Jesus served. Let us pray to the Lord because we are in big need of shepherds. May he send labourers into his harvest (Mt 9:38)