4th Sunday of Easter

All four of the canonical Gospels use the metaphor of Jesus as shepherd. Indeed, the image is deeply woven into the language of the Old Testament, where God is often described as a shepherd and Israel as his chosen flock. Originally, the people of Israel saw their kings as having been appointed by God to lead the people, as a shepherd would lead his flock. But some of the kings of Israel were so unfaithful to God that they were actually leading the people away from God by their bad example. By the time of the Babylonian Exile in 587 BC, the image of the shepherd was no longer applied to earthly kings, but to God himself. The language of the image continues to give us some of our most beloved spiritual images. We need only recall the opening words of Psalm 23 - “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.”

Given the familiarity of this image and its deep scriptural roots, it is no surprise that Jesus chose this metaphor when addressing the Pharisees about his mission to Israel. What is new, however, is how he uses it not just to speak of himself, but to contrast the Good Shepherd with the shepherd who is merely a hired hand. The difference is that the Pharisees and Scribes behave as though they are temporary shepherds, hired from an agency. Yes, they fulfill their basic duties to Israel, but they appear to have no lasting or loving commitment to the people entrusted to their care – God’s Chosen People.

In direct contrast, Jesus gives us a powerful insight into how he sees his mission to “the lost sheep of Israel,” and, by extension, to the whole world. As the Good Shepherd, he is faithful and will offer us his own life for the sake of those entrusted to his care. Those who hear his voice will know that he is trustworthy, and he will lead and guide them along the right path, that path that will lead to everlasting life.

Today is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. While we pray for the encouragement of all vocations – including those of married life and single life, this day is particularly set aside to pray for those whom God calls to religious life– as priests and deacons, religious sisters and brothers – to serve God’s people.

For decades we have witnessed a severe decline in the number of men and women answering God’s call to serve the Church. It is not that God has stopped calling people to religious vocations. It is that those who have been called have declined the invitation. Perhaps they have been too caught up in the allurements of the present world – in materialism, individualism, and hedonism – to answer the call. Perhaps their own prayer life is not what it should be to really hear God’s call. Perhaps religious vocations have not been encouraged within their family. Or maybe, just maybe, no one has ever told them – “I think you would make a great priest (or deacon, or religious sister or brother)!” The sacramental life of the Church is clearly dependent upon having enough priests to serve the people and provide those Sacraments. Let us pray for those whom God has called, that they may answer that call. Let us speak of and encourage religious vocations in our own families. And don’t be afraid to approach someone you think has the qualities of a religious vocation, and suggest that they answer God’s call.