I am the good shepherd
What an appropriate and true proclamation. Jesus tells his disciples that he is the good shepherd. As if on cue, Jesus knows that those who heard these words need an explanation of this proclamation. He first opens up this word with a comparison to one who is not a good shepherd, a hired hand. He points out that a hired hand has no sheep of his own so his loyalty is not true. With the first sign of danger he will abandon his post and seek safety for himself and leave the sheep to fend for themselves. On the other hand, he explains that the good shepherd would lay down his life for all the sheep so that none will be harmed in the face of danger. With this loyalty there is a bond that is formed between the good shepherd and his sheep. And Jesus points this out by saying, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” This is the life of a priest. Thank you Fr. Jon and Fr. Prabhu!