Gospel Reflection for April 29, Fourth Sunday of Easter

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  Good shepherds lay down their lives for the sheep.”

As John’s chapter 10 begins, Jesus talk in an elaborate figure of speech about sheep and shepherds.  Sheep know their shepherd’s voice; they won’t follow a stranger or a thief.  A shepherd leads a flock in and out of a sheepfold by calling them.

A good shepherd has not only a familiar voice but a wholehearted commitment to the sheep.  Unlike hired hands that run at the sight of the wolf, good shepherds put their lives on the line for the sheep.  In John’s gospel Jesus is the good shepherd, God become one of us, to accompany us in our human condition and lead us to abundant life.

For whom have you or would you put your life on the line?