The Shepherd

In today's Gospel Jesus message to the Pharisees was quite clear and applies to us as well.  The flock will not follow strangers because they do not know them, but when they hear the voice of their true shepherd they will enter through the gate and find pasture.  The shepherd also is able to cure those sheep who have slipped and injured themselves as well.  Hoof rot is common malady among sheep and those appointed to their care will trim away the infected part of the hoof so that it does not become further infected.  Moreover, if the bacteria is not treated it can spread to the whole herd.

Here we have a parallel.  Jesus being our shepherd can cure us of our sinfulness to that we can become part of the fold.  The more we try to cure ourselves as the Lord stated "Physician, heal thyself." we become more infected with the sin that has overtaken us. The sin spreads to the rest of our souls and may eventually infect others. Following Jesus is difficult in that we as sheep are overcome by the worldly desires and turmoil around us.  We do not hear the bell ringing of the one sheep who leads the flock nor do we hear the voice of shepherd as we become busy, distracted and complacent. The wolves are constantly looking for ways to attack us, to drive us away from the flock.

Seek the shepherd. Repent and become part of the flock. The Lord is our true shepherd. Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want ...