Homily by Father Paul Wharton

Ask a group of kindergartners what animal they wish they could be if only for one day, chances are none of them will say with excitement, “I want to be a sheep!” I can’t think of any major college or national football league teamed named, “Sheep.” People don’t think very much of sheep; in fact, sheep have a terrible reputation.   They are considered stupid, easily frightened and confused, dirty, helpless, and unimaginative.  We like hearing the words of Saint John that we are God’s children. That makes us special. But sheep?

One of the earliest, if not the first images of Jesus in the catacombs is of the Good Shepherd.  When we considered what it means to call ourselves sheep, we are missing the point.  Instead, we need to consider and think about HOW Jesus is LIKE a Good Shepherd.

Our Good Shepherd knows his sheep by name.  It matters not how large his flock is, Jesus know each of us by name. He is fully God and fully human.  In fact, Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. We can fool ourselves, but we can’t deceive God.

 Our Good Shepherd leads his sheep to food and water. The gospels tell us that Jesus asks and expects much of us.  That is why he wants to give us spiritual nourishment and strength.  Praying, reading and reflecting on God’s Word, helping someone in need are ways to grow stronger spiritually. Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, are ways we can more fully share in the grace and life of Jesus.

Our Good Shepherd protects his sheep.  Sheep need protection from thieves, wild animals, and even themselves.  Perhaps there has never been more ways for Christians to get into trouble than today: access to alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, violence, and addictive stimulation has never been easier and more wide-spread than today.  But for Jesus to protect us, we have to pray and seek and ask for the help we need.

 Our Good Shepherd saves his flock by laying down his life for his sheep.

Here as elsewhere in the gospels Jesus speaks of freely and willingly suffering and dying so our sins might be forgiven and we might have eternal life.  St. John tells us that on the night before he died, Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” St. Paul reminds that Jesus died for us while we were sinners!

So . . . . few children ever day dream of becoming a sheep. Don’t be holding your breath for the Lions to become the Detroit Sheep. But is it truly wonderful to have Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Here’s our homework:

  • LISTEN to him.
  • LEARN from him.
  • LOVE him and
  • LET him lead us in this life and bring us to eternal life.