LESSONS FROM THE GOOD SHEPHERD

 “SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

4th November 2021

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THURSDAY, THIRTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo

Rom 14: 7-12; Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Lk 15: 1-10

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LESSONS FROM THE GOOD SHEPHERD

A psychological reading into the behaviour of the Good Shepherd in the Gospel gives us valuable insights into the dynamics of the God-man relationship. In the first place, it must be noted that the shepherd has lost just one sheep out of the hundred. Despite having nighty-nine with him, he leaves the rest and goes in search of the lost one. This shows us how much God values every individual. He takes the initiative in going out in search of us. We are all important to him. 

Secondly, when the good shepherd finds the lost sheep, he rejoices! In other words, he embraces it and leads it back to the fold. He does not beat it or punish it. Modern studies show that in the long run, positive reinforcement effectively contributes to the behavioural amendment. God showers down love and affection on his lost-and-found children. He makes them feel that they are important, that they are loved and valued. 

In some customs, it is said that shepherds, on identifying sheep that have a tendency to go astray, break one of its legs, crippling it that it may not wander away from the flock. But these sheep in practise become a liability to the shepherd, especially in times of danger from wild animals. However, if a sheep is hyper-active, shepherds are known to tie a weight to one of its legs. This makes walking slightly tedious, preventing the sheep from straying away from the presence of the shepherd. The sheep with the attached weight gets accustomed to the presence of the shepherd and with time finds its delight in the company of the shepherd. The shepherd when assured that the sheep is attached to his presence then discards the weight. 

God, however, does not impose a weight on us. He offers us instead the cross, if we want to be his disciples. He assures us that his yoke is easy and his burden light. Who could refuse such a loving invitation from so good a shepherd?

Response: I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.  

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