Do we know the peace and security of the Good
Shepherd who watches over his own? The Old Testament often speaks of God as
shepherd of his people, Israel. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want (Psalm
23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
(Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm
100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's people: He
will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms
(Isaiah 40:11). Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd who will risk his
life to seek out and save the stray sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4). He is the
Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). Jesus made three
promises to his followers. He promised them everlasting life. If they accept
him and follow him, they will have the life of God in them. Jesus also promised
them a life that would know no end. Death would not be the end but the
beginning; they would know the glory of indestructible life. Jesus promised a
life that was secure. Jesus said that nothing would snatch them out of his
hand, not even sorrow and death, since he is everlasting life itself. Our lives
are safe in his hands. The words which Jesus spoke upset many of the Jewish
leaders. How could he speak with the same authority which God spoke and claim
to be equal with God? He must either be insane or divine. Unfortunately some
thought he was mad even though he cured a man who was blind from birth. We are
faced with the same choice. Either Jesus is who he claims to be – the Son of
God and Savior of the world – or the world's greatest deluder! We cannot be
indifferent to his claim. For those who accept him as Lord and Savior he offers
the peace and security of unending life and joy with God.
Please mark on your calendars, May 12 Foods of
the World.
Wishing you all a good
week!
Fr. Phil
