An opportunity to listen to the voice of our Good Shepherd...
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
Today we are reminded of the beautiful image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He speaks of the intimacy that all of us who recognize Him as our own beloved Lord share with Him.
“Jesus said: ‘My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). No one has the power to come between Christ and us – except ourselves. Just as He stresses our bond with Him, Jesus also addresses His unique unity with the Father. And that means that we, too, have a deep, personal relationship with God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Our Lord asks us to place our trust and hope in Him that will be fulfilled in the everlasting joy and peace we experience in His heavenly presence. This precious gift is available to all who are open to His way of life and love. We know this because our Shepherd promises it, the same Shepherd who sacrificed Himself for us, and who holds on to us for dear life just as long as we let Him.
Suggested missionary action: In the coming days, let’s make a point of praying for Pope Francis and for all who are called to shepherd God's people. We can ask our Lord to help them emulate His gentle, wise, and brave care for those to whom they have pastoral responsibility.