the heart of the shepherd
"At the sight of the crowds, His heart was moved with pity. They were lying prostrate from exhaustion, like sheep without a shepherd." —Matthew 9:36
Jesus' heart is moved with love when He looks at the crowds of people in this world. The heart of the Good Shepherd so wants His sheep fed that He not only feeds His sheep but also has become their Food (see Jn 6:54). If we love Jesus, we will feed His sheep both physically and spiritually (Jn 21:15-17).
Hundreds of millions of people are starving and malnourished throughout the world. In response, thousands of missionaries and ministries are serving the poor in the love of Christ. If we love Jesus, we must not just give our surplus to these servants of the poor; in addition, we must sacrifice and even do without necessities so as to give all that we can to the sheep "lying prostrate from exhaustion" (Mt 9:36).
Over four billion people don't know Jesus, the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35). They are starving spiritually. If we love Jesus, we must lead them to a total commitment to Jesus. Only then will they be able to live the abundant life (Jn 10:10).
Do you have the heart of the Good Shepherd for the sheep? Will you feed His sheep? Do you love Him? Then feed His sheep (Jn 21:17).
Prayer: Father, give me a heart of sacrificial love.
Promise: "Our God is in heaven; whatever He wills, He does." —Ps 115:3
Praise: Norma was afraid to ask Ron, her husband, to become a Catholic. Her priest, Father Ralph, simply asked Ron if he wanted to join the Church. Ron replied that he had been wanting to join. Ron grew in his faith and received Jesus daily in the Eucharist for many years.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 29, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 2, 1997