Commentary on the Gospel of
Shepherds spending a lot of time in isolated places with the flock meant that they build a loving relationship with their sheep. The shepherd called each sheep by name, and the sheep recognized his voice. Wild animals were the greatest dangers to the flock. The shepherds, were prepared to fight against them.
The image of the shepherd is often used in the Bible to refer to the leaders who were assigned to protect and lead the people. David was called by God “from the sheepfolds” to shepherd the Israelites. The kings of Israel were often compared to wicked shepherds, because instead of feeding the flock, they fed themselves, exploited, dispersed and killed the flock.
Shepherds were often hired-hands who worked for a salary. They did not have any emotional attachment to the flock, and at the face of danger, they fled. They were not interested in the fate of the sheep, but only in the salary.
But, the Old Testament also uses the image of the shepherd for God who guides, protects and nourishes his people; “he gathers the lambs in his arms, and gently leading those that are with young”.
Jesus’ statement “I am the good shepherd,” with which today’s Gospel begins, refers explicitly to the fulfilment of this prophecy. He is the fighter who, at the cost of his own life, confronts anyone who endangers the sheep. He has the figure of David who faced the lion and the bear that carried off a sheep. He pursued and knocked them down and rescued the victim from their mouth. Jesus undertakes a more dangerous mission to rescue his sheep, his people, that he willingly offers his life for them.
The Good Shepherd Sunday is a reminder and an invitation for every disciple of Jesus to cultivate a heart of a true shepherd who is not satisfied with fulfilling the minimum requirements. We are all shepherds. Gospel warns us not to behave like the hired hands who always have a lot to complain and are satisfied with merely fulfilling the given duties.
Love knows no boundaries. Whoever has a heart like Jesus, does not count the cost; they do not stop in the face of any obstacles, risks and sacrifices. The fate of the one who offers his/her life is not death, but the fullness of life. Making it a gift is the only way to “recover it.” “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Those who love their life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world keep it for everlasting life.” Jesus the Good Shepherd calls us to be good shepherds of his sheep.
