FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

LOVE THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Reflecting on this weekend’s readings, “Love the Good Shepherd” was the first thought to come through my heart from the Holy Spirit. As I gaze at the framed Divine Mercy image of Jesus right in front of me and the Holy Spirit guiding my heart, I start to feel the magnitude of this thought move through me. I ponder with utter amazement the fact that God the Father sent His only Son, Jesus, into this world, and Jesus, who is divine by nature, all-powerful, sinless, and full of Love, became man.

Jesus, “Word made Flesh,” walked among us in our fallen nature out of Pure Love for the sole purpose of being the Sacrificial Lamb to free us all from our sins and open the door to Heaven by bringing us back into communion with God, the Father. Jesus opened His precious heart and became a humble servant in this world. He taught and gave us the perfect image of love in action, nurturing us with divine sacramental graces, including the giving of Himself, His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, as the perfect form of spiritual nourishment and grace to allow us to share in His divine life through the Holy Eucharist.

In today’s Gospel reading from John, Jesus says, “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). There is no hidden agenda with Jesus, and His Gospel message also includes a warning for the safety of our souls to be watchful for those who minister out of their own vainglory and greed, and who do not lead us to Him. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, wants this intimate loving relationship with us. Jesus told Judas, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). Let us love our Good Shepherd from deep within our hearts and proclaim humble gratitude to Him as David does in his inspired hymn, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …” (Psalm 23). Through this reflection, I am falling in Love with Jesus all over again!

–Chris Rischmiller

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.