Thoughts from the Chaplain - The Good Shepherd

One of the images of Christ which has always been popular is that of Jesus as the Shepherd of the Flock and this Sunday it is the subject of the reading of the Gospel according to John.  The theme of shepherd is addressed in all three Sunday cycles; A, B, and C; maybe underlining the importance of this concept of Jesus as Good Shepherd.  In this reflection I would like to ponder this image and its significance for our faith and as Christian Church.

The definition of the word noun shepherd is a ​person whose ​job is to take ​care of ​sheep and ​move them from one ​place to another a ​person whose ​job is to take ​care of ​sheep and ​move them from one ​place to another: a ​person whose ​job is to take ​care of ​sheep and ​move them from one ​place to another: a ​person whose ​job is to take ​care of ​sheep and ​move them from one ​place to another: a ​person whose ​job is to take ​care of ​sheep and ​move them from one ​place to another: a ​person whose ​job is to take ​care of ​sheep and ​move them from one ​place to another: a ​person whose ​job is to take ​care of ​sheep and ​move them from one ​place to another:. It can also be used as a verb a ​person whose ​job is to take ​care of ​sheep and ​move them from one ​place to another:  meaning to tend, guide, escort and accompany. All of these terms can be applied to Jesus in his ministry.  One of the things which is essential to being a shepherd is that you have a flock to tend and in the case of Jesus that Flock is those people given to Him by his Father; the ones who cannot be stolen from Him (cf. Jn 10:29).  Jesus also describes himself as the good shepherd, in other words He is not just a shepherd but is the shepherd, He is the only, the ultimate, the unique shepherd.  He also uses the adjective good; taken from the Greek word kalos which describes that which is noble, wholesome, good. It is an innate goodness. Therefore, in using the phrase “the good shepherd,” Jesus is referencing His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty. He is the one who nurtures, protects and guides His Sheep.

At the beginning of Chapter 10 Jesus describes the sheepfold and it place in guarding and protecting the sheep.  There is a gate through which only the shepherd can enter; anyone entering by alternative way must break in and is therefore a thief; a brigand.  When Jesus realises that His listeners do not understand this parable He goes on to explain it to them.  Using this image of the sheepfold He describes himself not just as the Shepherd but also as the as the Gate to the Sheepfold.  It is only through him that the sheep will find safety and protection and he will do this both inside and outside the fold. “Anyone who enters through me (the gate) will be safe: they will go freely in and out and be sure of finding pasture” (Jn 10:9).  But is also, as with all parables, speaking about a deeper meaning than this; He is contrasting Himself (the Good Shepherd) and the other religious leaders of his time; the Pharisees and temple authorities comparing them to the “hired man” who looks after the sheep just for money. 

Reading through verses 1-30 of chapter 10 of the Gospel according to John we can see this very definite image of Jesus as Shepherd; guide; protector; nurturer but also as obedient Son of the Father looking after those who have been given to him: us!

Fr Michael Manning, O.Carm, Chaplain of the National Shrine of Saint Jude. You can read more about Fr Michael, here.