Continuing with our Advent reflections:

7th Day of Advent

“Throughout the long waiting of the Old Testament, the prophets had proclaimed, with centuries still to go, the imminent arrival of the Good Shepherd, the Messiah, who would lead his flock with loving care. He would be the one shepherd (Ezek 34:23) who would seek the lost lamb that had gone astray, who would bind up its wounds and cure it of its sickness. (Ezek 34:16) With him, the sheep would be safe, and in his name they would have other good shepherd whose mission likewise would be to care for and lead them: I will set shepherds over them who will look after them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed; neither shall they be missing, says the Lord. (Jer 23:4)

I am the good shepherd, (John 10:11) says Jesus. He has come into the world to gather together God’s flock. (Matt 15:24) as St. Peter says: You were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (1 Pet 2:25) The Good Shepherd comes to return the lost sheep to its flock, (Luke 15:3-7) to guide it, (John 10:4) to defend it, (Luke 12:32) to feed it, (John 10:12) to judge it, (Matt 25:32) and to lead it finally to the eternal pastures irrigated by springs of living water. (Apoc 7:17)

Jesus is the Good Shepherd proclaimed by the prophets. In him, to the letter, are all the prophecies accomplished. He knows each one of his sheep and calls it by its name. (John 10:3) Yes. Jesus knows us personally. He calls us, seeks us and heals us. There is no need for us to feel lost, submerged in a huge mass of nameless humanity. To him each one of us is unique. We can say with perfect accuracy: He loved me and gave himself up for me. (Gal 2:20) He distinguishes my voice among many others. No Christian has the right to say he is alone. Jesus Christ is with him. If he is lost in the by-ways of wrongdoing, the Good Shepherd is already out searching for him. Only the perverse will of the sheep can bring unto naught the vigilance of the shepherd – a plan refusal to return to the sheepfold. That and that alone.”


~In Conversation with God, Volume 1 pages 49-51


Pro-Life Challenge:

Have I accepted the mission to be a good shepherd to women who are lost? How much do I care about them? Do I seek them out and call them by name and give them a message of hope?