“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me” (Jn 10:14)
The good shepherd—what a reassuring image this is, even though we see shepherds and flocks less and less in the wild. Yet the image speaks to us from within. Deep down, we know what the good shepherd means. He is someone who watches over us, who cares for our lives, who never loses sight of us, who warns us of dangers, and who leads us to where we belong and find good pasture.
Nowhere does this image fit better than when we apply it to God, just as Jesus Himself does. He came to earth to seek out His own and gather them from all nations. He came as the light of the world so that we too might become light. He frees us from the snares that Satan sets to bind people. He gives us the food we need so that, in this earthly life, we may find the divine nourishment that will accompany us into eternity.
The Good Shepherd makes us familiar with Himself. He gives us His Word, and we come to know Him from within. His Word has that unmistakable flavor for which the soul longs. It thirsts for love and truth. In the Good Shepherd, it finds everything it needs and seeks. That is why it can also discern. Lies, deception, and error cause it unease. That is not the Shepherd’s voice—it is another speaking, no matter how inviting his voice may sound.
The Good Shepherd has led us into His flock. We now belong to Him. He knows us, and we meet others from His flock. Together with them, we listen to His voice and rejoice in our Shepherd. We love Him and follow Him. He will never lead us astray, for the Good Shepherd lays down His life for His own (John 10:11).
Here is the video featuring the words of Jesus that we meditated on today:
