May 9, 2022 Reflection – The Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd May 9, 2022 Dear Family of Mary! Today Jesus uses the image of the Good Shepherd in the Gospel. He is trying to explain to the people how He wants to relate to them. We of course are meant to see ourselves as sheep. Because most of us live lives far removed from sheep, farms, gates and pens, we may not relate to this analogy. But as I view current events and social trends, I feel more and more sure that we are like sheep. We follow too easily. We hope to find what we need through the hands of a leader, and cling to promises that usually can’t be completed. Jesus assures us that He is the rightful Shepherd, the only One who can provide for us safety and food and show us the way to Eternal Life . But how does Jesus lead His Sheep? He opens the way, He calls us each by name, and He goes ahead of us, to lead us out of our pen into the future of good and peace. We must follow. And to do that we need to know His voice. That is why we pray. Here are His words: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. (John 10:1-6) Our Lady gave us a message that could only have come from one of Jesus’ closest disciples. She is such a good guide for us in these days: November 25, 2006 “Dear children! Also today I call you to pray, pray, pray. Little children, when you pray you are close to God and He gives you the desire for eternity. This is a time when you can speak more about God and do more for God. Therefore, little children, do not resist but permit Him to lead you, to change you and to enter into your life. Do not forget that you are travelers on the way toward eternity. Therefore, little children, permit God to lead you as a shepherd leads his flock. Thank you for having responded to my call.” With Our Lady’s guidance may we learn to know Jesus’ voice in prayer and allow Him to lead us, change us and ! Here is the prayer to Our Lady we are praying every day in May! Litany to the Holy Name of Mary In Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! Cathy Nolan Mary TV 2022