Good Shepherd Sunday

          The College of Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church just elected a new Pope. It got me thinking a lot about my call and ordination. My internship supervisor from Holy Trinity in N. Easton, Mass. preached at my ordination, and one of the most memorable things was him saying as clearly as possible: “You are NOT the Good Shepherd. Jesus Christ is.” The Gospel at that service was from John 10; this Sunday’s gospel is from that same chapter. 

           It was great advice. I’m reminded of it now that there’s a new “earthly shepherd” for the Catholic Church. What will Leo XIV be like? Will he be like Pope Francis (who I liked by the way)? Jesus reminds us, however, that Leo is not the Good Shepherd… St. Paul also reminds us in Ephesians 4 that Christ is the head of the church—not our human leaders. In John 10:27-28, Jesus says that his sheep hear his voice, and no one will snatch them out of his hand. Powerful and comforting words! There is a LOT of competition for our attention, a LOT of “voices” out there demanding our allegiance and loyalty, demanding us to follow. Do those voices “fit” with Jesus’ words and actions? Do they have integrity? If they don’t, then we need to beware of the “thieves who break in and steal” from God’s sheep-fold (John 10:7-12). 

           Think of God’s voice to you. I can say as a little shepherd—or maybe as one of Jesus’ sheep dogs—that through Christ that voice is a voice of love, mercy, forgiveness. Yes, we may “stray,” wander from the sheep-fold, and the Good Shepherd has to “seek us out.” But nothing can snatch us out of the love that is in God’s heart for us. In that love is abundant life. Jesus the Good Shepherd came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).

Peace,

Pr. Christian 

To read the ELCA's statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV, click here.