I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
(John 10:16)
Recently, someone I had never met before approached me after Mass to say that this was their first time back to Church in many years. There was no explanation for the absence, and quite frankly, none was needed. In that moment of truth, we shared an inexpressible, joyful reunion; drawn together by the One Shepherd.
From our reading from Acts, a Spirit-filled Peter recognizes Jesus Christ the Nazorean as Savior of the whole human family. In his first letter, Saint John recognizes us as God’s beloved children. And from our Gospel reading, Jesus recognizes His greatest power; to lay down and take up His life, all for love of His sheep.
As disciples of Christ, let us prayerfully discern between the voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, who gathers all His sheep into one flock and that of the wolf, Satan, who seeks only to scatter and drive us away.
Thank You to Deacon Luc Lambert for writing this reflection