The Shepherd in You (Fourth Easter)

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd would die for the sheep. The hired hand, who is neither shepherd nor owner of the sheep, catches sight of the wolf coming and runs away, leaving the sheep to be scattered or snatched by the wolf. That’s because the hired hand works only for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10: 11 – 14)

At our daily work each of us are shepherds. We are in charge of the quality and quantity of work that we do. No one can make us be less than we are. We are responsible for our actions, and as good shepherds we must be willing to put our jobs on the line for the sake of preserving our integrity and the integrity of others – be they our customers, co-workers, bosses, or employees.

Why does the Father who love the good shepherd, according to Jesus? Because the good shepherd is willing to lay down his life in order to take it up again. That means he acts without being led by his fears. He acts out of love and respect for the precious gift of giving him, namely his life, his talents, and his very ability to work.

Where do you see good shepherds in your own life? I see them in the women who watch my nephew at day-care, the people who deliver my mail, the clerks who always keep their humour at the sandwich counter, and my business partners, co-workers, and family members who wouldn’t let a wolf within a thousand yards of the work they do.

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