TOPIC: JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD
1. STORY
Mary, a 52-year-old teacher, was accompanying her students across a road
on a school activity when a speeding car roared toward them. She put herself in
the path of the car pushing aside six students before being struck. She died from her injuries. Thousands attended her memorial service and
funeral. All considered her a hero by
giving up her life to save her students. Jesus, the good shepherd, did the same to save
us.
2. GOSPEL, JOHN 10:1-10
A) JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Jesus describes what he does for us.
i) He leads the sheep (us) to pasture to find nourishing food. He walks in front of them so that they will
not get lost or leave the flock. He
comes so that they may have life and have it abundantly.
B) THE SHEEP FOLLOW THE GOOD SHEPHERD
i) The sheep listen carefully and hear and recognize his voice.
ii) The sheep follow him for they know that he is to be trusted to bring
them to rich pastures.
iii) The sheep will be saved from all danger.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A) TODAY’S GOOD SHEPHERDS
We are blessed having good shepherds to lead us through difficult times.
i) Our Pope Francis who has given us a great example of living a simple
life, speaks in language that is easily understood and welcomes everyone.
ii) Our bishop who provides us with timely advice, provides us with
priests to serve us and helps the local church follow the example of Jesus.
iii) Our parish priest who arranges parish Masses, plans the parish
activities, and cares for the upkeep of the parish.
B) WE ARE TODAY’S SHEEP
We use the examples of being like sheep as to understand the parable. i)
We hear Jesus by listening to his word found in the bible during the Mass homily, and in the directives from our pope and bishop.
ii) We follow Jesus by imitating his example of loving God, loving our
neighbor as he did by caring for others, and loving ourselves by caring for our
spiritual and physical health.
iii) We will be saved by having peace in our hearts and being assured of
eternal happiness.
4. CONCLUSION
The teacher, like a good shepherd, gave her life to save her pupils.
Jesus is our good shepherd who cares for us and finally gives his life to save
us. Our modern good shepherds are the
Pope, our bishop, and our parish priest. We must listen to their words, follow their
advice, and we will be saved. We thank
Jesus for being our good shepherd and providing us with modern-day shepherds.
