Jn. 10:11-18
Don Bosco was deeply touched and formed by the icon of Jesus, the good shepherd. All those who lived with Don Bosco had a story of experiencing this shepherding heart of Don Bosco. Joseph Buzzetti was one of the first coadjutor brothers of the Salesian congregation. He came to the oratory when he was a nine-year-old and grew up in the oratory. Then came a time he felt he was unwanted in the oratory. The boys whom Buzetti taught how to clean their nose became superiors, and he had to obey them. Therefore, he wanted to leave the congregation. He found a new job in the city and came to say goodbye to Don Bosco. Don Bosco was stunned when he heard this news from Buzetti because he could not imagine oratory without Buzzetti. Don Bosco accepted his decision and asked about his plans. He then opened the drawer of his table and told him; you know how much money is here and take whatever you require. He promised that he would give all that is needed for him to start his new life outside. Then Don Bosco looked at Buzzetti with his fatherly love and told him. ”Remember that the oratory is always your own house and that Don Bosco will always be your good friend. If you ever wish to return to Don Bosco, you will be most welcome.” All these gestures touched Buzzetti profoundly, and he did not have any doubt that he remained close to the heart of Don Bosco. He started to cry like a child and told Don Bosco. “I don’t want to go anywhere. I will remain here,” and Buzetti remained rest of his life in the oratory.
Today we celebrate the Good Shepherd Sunday. Holy Mother Church invites us to meditate and imitate the shepherding heart of Jesus, the good shepherd. Jn. 10 reveals the beauty of his shepherding nature. The characteristic feature that underlines this shepherding heart is its eagerness to love and care for his flock even at the cost of his own life. Israelites were familiar with the rearing of the sheep. They had witnessed great shepherds like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses David etc. they were known for their shepherding skills and later on chosen by God as shepherds of his people. They protected their sheep from their enemies by fighting against them. However, Jesus the Good shepherd goes beyond all these Iconic shepherds because knowingly and willingly, he gave up his own life for his sheep so that they may have life and in its fullness.
Being a shepherd is a call to live this shepherding love of Jesus and imitate his self-giving love in our day to day life. Shepherd does not give importance to his personal choice, but his prime priority is the flock entrusted to his/her care. The presence of the good shepherd is not a threatening presence for the sheep. It is a nurturing presence. They knew the shepherd, and the shepherd knows them by their name. It indicates the deep intimate relationship that exists between the sheep and the shepherd. The flock follows him blindly because they knew that he would lead them to green pastures for their healthy being.
No one can be a good shepherded without having this personal relationship with the flock. This intimate relationship we develop by being with them in all the seasons of their life. The relationship between sheep and the shepherd is not a superior, inferior relationship. The shepherd is driven by the gospel charity of Christ, dedicating his/her life wholly for the integral growth of the sheep. At the same time, sheep allow himself/herself to be led by the shepherd as their mentor and guide. If there is no personal relationship, then this relationship is not possible.
The need of our time is mentors with the heart of the good shepherd. In our times, those who are called to nurture and care have failed in their responsibilities, and sheep suffered spiritually, psychologically and physically. The main headlines of newspapers are crime connected to intimate family relationships or friendships. Why is it so? I believe it is because shepherds lost the sense of the other and failed to live for the welfare of those who are entrusted to their care. As we continue our life journey, let us imitate the example of Jesus, the good shepherd who knows his sheep by their name and dedicated his life as a sacrifice of their integral growth and liberation…