My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and I give them eternal life… John 10:27-28
As we celebrate Good Shepherd Week, we see how the sheep were scattered in the Book of Acts. Stephen was killed, and many fled for their dear lives. Christ remains the Good Shepherd. He knows his sheep. He looks for them everywhere. Today, we are believers thanks to the great persecution that pushed many outside of Jerusalem.
May I share two thoughts with you as we journey toward our 170th foundation anniversary? Remember the desire of Father Eymard to open an SSS community in the cenacle of Jerusalem. Remember the zeal he had and the effort he put into both prayer and the physical trips he made to Rome. It was disappointing to receive a negative response from Rome. However, from this unfortunate experience, we get a very good spiritual gift — the GIFT OF SELF. Father Eymard made the vow of his personality on the 21st of March 1865, and now we celebrate 161years. Look at how we now get even closer to Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament with the gift of ourselves. Look how we spread the Eucharistic kingdom, now to the United States, to Uganda and Masaka in particular, to the Philippines, Congo, and almost everywhere in the world. Jesus, the good shepherd, knows his sheep well.
My other thought is the love of Jesus seen in him as a shepherd. I have had the opportunity of living with shepherds here in the western part of Uganda. I admire their love for their sheep. They think about nothing but their sheep. Their sheep are their greatest treasures. They sometimes spend nights with their sheep. They give their lives for their sheep. Look how Jesus loves us. This is true on the cross.
Let Us Pray:
Loving Shepherd of thy sheep. We thank you for shepherding us and giving your life for us. We pray for all those who, at your call, have the charge of being shepherds to your flock that they may work according to your heart. Amen.
