Dear Family of God,

Who is our good shepherd? How do we become like Him?

Whether we like it or not, we are called to be a shepherd for those persons under our care and even for our neighbors. We are all under the care of God, our merciful Father who loves us sinners so immensely that He gave us His Only Son as our Redeemer and Shepherd.

As a Good Shepherd, we have to live or practice first what we will be teaching to those under our care. If not, they will not listen; they won’t be where God wants them to be in their spiritual lives. So, what are the characteristics of Jesus as the Good Shepherd?

A Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. He is ready to make sacrifices for those whom he is responsible for. He values his sheep more than his own life; they are precious to him. That is why he is ready to sacrifice for them. “If you are patient when you suffer for doing good, this is a grace before God. For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you.”

He proclaims the truth to them: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Save yourself from this corrupt generation.”

A Good Shepherd is not afraid of physical death because he knows that he belongs to God now and for eternity. “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved.” Jesus alone is our door to eternal life, “He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.”

May we all imitate our Good Shepherd and help others to follow Jesus.

Yours in Christ through Mary Immaculate.

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