Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

FR MICHAEL BIBLICAL IMAGERY

(Fr Michael Boakye Yeboah: Vice Rector of St Gregory Seminary, Kumasi-Ghana)

I NEED A GOOD SHEPHERD

            What world are we living in? I am not old but I am lost in this world; if I compare the life and “accepted norms” of the 21^st century world to the world of my teenage years – I can tell you that things are totally different. Young people are confused today because there are so many “paths” to life. I need a shepherd and not just an ordinary shepherd, but a “Good Shepherd.” If Jesus, my Good Shepherd, does not come to my aid, I don’t know how I can find my way home (heaven). As I wrote this reflection, time for our Night Prayer was up so I paused for prayer. As I sat in the chapel the organist intoned John Henry Newman’s “Lead, kindly Light…” If one reflects deeply on Newman’s sacred lyrics one cannot but agree that we need a Good Shepherd to lead us home. Please pause and sing with me: “Lead kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, lead thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead thou me on. Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me…”

            People are recommending so many things that can give one a better life but none of them can promise one a better life here and in the afterlife. It is only Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who gives his life for his sheep. Despite Jesus’ realistic word-picture, the parable of the Good Shepherd only fully comes alive in Jesus himself, God’s appointed “Shepherd” of men. He names two characteristics of such a shepherd: first the shepherd’s commitment to the flock even to the point of death, second, the reciprocal recognition between sheep and shepherd, which is anchored in the innermost mystery of God.

            One needs Jesus the Good Shepherd because of his self-giving to the point of death for his flock. This devotion contrast sharply with the flight of the “hired hand”, who, when facing danger, has the excuse that the life of a man is more valuable than the life of a dumb animal. This argument loses its force, however, when the shepherd cares so much for his sheep that he prefers them to his own life. That is scarcely conceivable in purely natural terms, but it becomes a central truth in the realm of grace. It only makes sense with the aid of the second theme of the parable: the shepherd knows his sheep and the animals likewise instinctively recognise him. For Jesus this is merely the point of comparison for a completely different recognition: “as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” This has nothing to do with instinct but with the most profound mutual recognition, as it is found in absolute trinitarian love. When Jesus applies this utterly sublime trinitarian love-recognition to the inward mutuality between himself and his own, he elevates this knowledge far above that which is hinted at by the parable.

            And thus it becomes clear that the first motif of the parable (giving one’s life for the sheep) and the second motif (mutual recognition) coincide rather than merely parallel each other. The Father’s and Son’s knowledge of each other is identical with their mutual and perfect self-giving, and therefore the knowledge exchanged between Jesus and his own is one with the perfect self-giving of Jesus for and to his own, and it implicitly includes the unity of the Christian’s knowledge and loving dedication to his Lord. The way of the Lord should be the only way for a Christian. If Jesus the Good Shepherd governs your life, then you can be sure that all will be well in “this confused world.” If you doubt me read the first reading of today’s liturgy.

            In the first reading Peter gives the Lord all glory for the miracle he has effected. It is only in Jesus that a man can encounter healing, both spiritual and physical. If you allow Jesus to take charge of your life, then you can be rest assured that everything will be under control. For us Christians we strongly believe this but the second reading tells us that the world cannot comprehend the relationship between Jesus and his own. Choose Jesus as your “Good Shepherd” and he will lead you to greener pastures.