Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, the one who willingly lays down his life for the sake of the flock. It seems somewhat disproportionate for a shepherd to risk his own life for the life of a lamb. Yet Jesus claims that this radical love for the sheep, this willingness to die on behalf of those who are undeserving of such a gift, is in fact the central identifying mark of a good shepherd. Jesus lives out this role of Good Shepherd by freely sacrificing himself on the Cross for our sake, even though we do not deserve such treatment: "But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
Jesus has given us a model for selfless, loving leadership. Such Christian leadership requires a willingness to forget oneself in order to fully and completely serve the 'other'. Throughout history, countless men and women have come forward to serve as good shepherds, leading the flocks they were charged with to safe and verdant pastures.
We too are called to allow ourselves to be led by Jesus the Good Shepherd and to be loved in such a radical way by our God. We are also challenged to conform our own lives after that of the Good Shepherd, to love others so much that we lay down our own lives for them.
Providentially, yesterday was both Mother's Day and Good Shepherd Sunday! Our moms are indeed shepherds. They gently guide and nurture us, seek us out when we are lost, and rejoice when we are found! Moms know their children and love them, and the sheep know and love the voice of their shepherd. These women lay down their lives in all sorts of ways: by putting careers on hold to raise children; replacing their own wants and desires for those of their children; dealing with temperamental attitudes of adolescent children; years of feeding, bandaging wounds, and driving to soccer practices ...the list continues on and on!
Through it all, mothers faithfully lead their children as Jesus the Good Shepherd guides the sheep of his flock. Mothers as good shepherds: such a fitting model for us to contemplate!
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