“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
I love this image of the shepherd leading his sheep by the sound of his voice. I imagine him singing familiar shepherd's lays to them. Until recently, before the advent of mechanized labor and virtual entertainment, people sang while they worked. It made labor less toilsome, and more pleasurable.
If several shepherds entered the town corral at the same early morning hour, their sheep would sort themselves out as they approached the familiar voice. Then, when the flock was ready, they would head out to the fields and streams for breakfast.
We learn the voice of our shepherd in prayer, both in private devotions and public liturgy. Without both we might be seduced by another shepherd and be led astray.
We know our Good Shepherd because he tells us the Truth; and we know it's the truth because we don't always want to hear the truth. If we hear from our churches and political leaders only what we want to hear, policies and ideas that conform to our preset opinions, we know they're lying to us.
I sometimes advise the Veteran's in the hospital, especially those in recovery from alcoholism and drug abuse, "Do it because you don't want to do it! If your counselor or sponsor urges you to do something and you absolutely hate the idea, that's why you should do it. Get over yourself!"
Today's gospel also warns us about bad leaders. They don't come to us through the proper channels. They don't come through the gate; they climb over the fence. They call us on the telephone from an unfamiliar number and tell us they represent the IRS, or Social Security, or the bank. They have some information about us and want more. They offer us certain opportunities which must be taken immediately.
Your father told you this sixty years ago, "Don't fall for it!"
Ask them if their mothers are proud of what they're doing, and then hang up.
Beware the leaders who do well by doing good. They're not in it for you. If your minister, politician, entertainer, banker, or employer makes more money than you, they're not in the business of serving others.
Our Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. He does good, but he doesn't do well for himself. He has died as the least of all human beings. For that reason alone, we may trust him and those who imitate his life of service.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.