Jn 10:11-18
The brutal murder of Asifa Bano in Kathua, The homicide of Madhu in Attapadi, The custodial death of Sreejith in Varapuzha…Are we failed to be the Good Shepherds to each other?
One of the essential features of the Johannine gospel is the “I am…” statements of Jesus. Why Jesus used this phrase “I am…”? Certainly, this statement revealed his personal nature as the second person of Holy Trinity or the characteristic feature of God Himself. Today’s gospel portraits the most moving “I am…” statement of Jesus i.e. “I am the Good Shepherded.” At the time of Jesus, the sheep rearing was very common in Palestine. So naturally, Jesus used this analogy of the Good Shepherd to convey his message in a simple and contextualized manner to his flock, who was like a sheep without a shepherd.
First and foremost this parable is an invitation from Jesus to become a Good Shepherd like Him wherever we are, whatever way of life we have embraced. The characteristic feature of a Good Shepherd is that he/she is ready to give up his/her life for the sheep entrusted to their care. This readiness to protect the sheep at the coast of one’s own life makes the shepherd different from a hired person who ran for his/ her life when the wild animals/ or dangers come on their way.
When I reflect on the icon of good shepherd the image that comes to my mind is Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, who was under the captivity of Islamic States for almost two years. Fr. Tom could have very well remained in his comfort zone. But his heart was with the sheep, who were undergoing the perils of the civil war. In spite of all the forewarnings, knowing that his life would be at stake, he committed himself to the mission of nurturing the sheep who were left alone in a distant land.
These days we all are aware of the bloodshed that is happening in Syria in the name of the civil war. It is interesting to know that there are a number of priests who were offered the better shelter in some other countries denied those golden offers and remained with the people and suffering with them. Thank God…Good Shepherds have not vanished…
The icon of the Good Shepherd is not only meant for priests or religious but for all. All are called to be Good Shepherds to each other. It can be in our own families, workplace etc. Unfortunately, the recent happenings have really shaken our conscience; those who are called to care their sheep like a Good Shepherded became the executioners of their own sheep. As we meditate on the imagery of the Good Shepherded, let us seek God’s grace that we may be blessed with a heart like that of a Good Shepherded, a heart that is filled with love and care for the other.