Today is traditionally called "Good Shepherd Sunday." The image of God as a Shepherd is ancient and powerful. People of almost every culture have been and are profoundly inspired and consoled by the image of the Good Shepherd. Millions of people have prayed with all their hearts: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want" (Ps 23:1).

Nevertheless, some cultures despise or at least look down on shepherds (see Gn 46:34). In fact, the traditional conflict between shepherds and farmers is the context for the first murder in history (see Gn 4:2ff). Even Jesus' apostles, who heard Jesus' revelation of Himself as the Good Shepherd, had difficulties relating to this image (Jn 10:6).

It is safe to say that the image of God as the Good Shepherd should not be thoughtlessly accepted or carelessly dismissed. If we ignore the Good Shepherd so as not to be compared with stupid sheep, we deprive ourselves of major revelations about the dynamics of our relationship with the Lord. However, if we romanticize the image of the Good Shepherd, we either press its application too far, or we do not practically apply it at all.

Hardly ever do we give homework in this book. Today, however, your homework is to read John 10 and Ezekiel 34. Look up the cross references. Pray for the Holy Spirit to teach about the truth and the mystery of the image of the Good Shepherd.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, October 9, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 14, 2003