I Am the Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd,

and I know mine and mine know me...

and I will lay down my life for the sheep.

(John 10:14-15)

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday.  Although not from today's Gospel, this quote from the Gospel of John speaks of the wonderful relationship our Lord has with each of us.  He know us, He calls to us, He cares for us, and yes, He laid down His very life for us. 

We on our part need to nurture this relationship with our Lord Jesus.  We need to spend time with Him in prayer and meditation, love Him, receive His gifts in the Sacraments, spend time listening to His word by reading and praying through the Scriptures, praising Him, and serving Him by serving our brothers and sisters.

Let us turn to Jeus, the Good Shepherd today, and ask Him to guide us as we seek to do His will.

Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  The following prayer was used by Pope Paul VI in launching the first World Day of Prayer for Vocations, and we think it appropriate today:

  O Jesus, divine Shepherd of the spirit,

You have called the Apostles

in order to make them fishermen of men,

you still attract to you

burning spirits and generous young people,

in order to render them your followers and ministers to us.