Reflection for Monday, May 16, 2011: 4th week in Easter.

Abstract

"A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." As Christians, who have read and reflected on the life of Jesus, and we are asked to live our lives as Jesus lived. We see throughout the New Testament the number of times that Jesus welcomes members of society who were disliked, feared or simply not "just like everyone else." In today's readings we are reminded that as good shepherds we are called to love, forgive, accept, and to be "Christ-like" examples for others.|Jesus came into this world to "save us" to bring the "good news" to everyone. We are asked by God to be accepting and loving of others no matter where they come from or what they have experienced in life as we may be able to lead people towards the teachings and lessons that Jesus taught, while on earth. Jesus tells us " 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." Jesus invites and encourages us to trust what has been shown to us by His examples and by His words and to try to live our lives by considering the needs of others, and in helping others develop a loving and trusting relationship with God.| While many of us don't want to be "over the top" in pushing our beliefs on others we should take a moment and reflect upon what our faith has done and continues to do in our lives. Why wouldn't we want to share our faith and the power of God in our lives? As good shepherds we should welcome opportunities to share with others, all that God has done for any of us.| Jesus has asked us to model, live, consider, and to care for others, a "command I have received from my Father" so why are we so often shy about sharing our faith/our relationship/our gifts from God? We are called by our loving relationship with God to shepherd others into accepting, understanding, living, and rejoicing and in developing a loving relationship with God who helps to guide our lives and desires to guide others who may not have had opportunities to experience God's guidance, wisdom and love for all of humankind.