One of the most loved images of Jesus in the early Church was of him as the Good Shepherd who so loves his sheep that he lays down his life for them. In the Roman catacombs, the ancient cemeteries outside the city of Rome where the early Christian martyrs were buried, we find very early images of the Good Shepherd.

A young man, he is shown carrying a lamb on his shoulders. His sheep gaze trustingly at him and graze peacefully in his care. They know him, they recognise his voice, and they know that he will protect them from danger. He knows each of them by name and will never desert them.

The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd must have been a great source of consolation for Christians especially in the face of persecution. A common prayer in the early Church for those who had died was that they should be taken to heaven “borne on the shoulders of the Good Shepherd”. 

Two thousand years later, Christians continue to find the image of the Good Shepherd deeply consoling and comforting, especially in times of trouble and distress. Psalm 23 is one of the most loved of all the psalms, often used at funerals. It speaks to us so powerfully of the steadfast love with which God cares for us, individually and as a community.

Today’s reading from John’s gospel stresses three characteristics of the Good Shepherd: he knows his sheep and they know him; he does not desert his sheep when they are endangered; and, even more than this, he lays down his life for his sheep. This last characteristic is stated not just once but four times in today’s short gospel reading. Such is the Good Shepherd’s bountiful and unfailing love, care and commitment that he lays down his own life for his sheep.

There is surely no greater love than this.

It is particularly touching that this year, when in our Sunday reading focuses on Jesus’ teaching that he is the Good Shepherd, we in Australia and New Zealand mark Anzac Day. We remember, give thanks, and pay our heartfelt respects to those many men and women who have served in wars in our nation’s name, and especially those among them who, in service to our country, laid down and lost their lives. We are the beneficiaries of their great sacrifice. Let us never forget!

Notice too that Jesus, in today’s gospel, explains: “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” (Jn 10:16). As we strive for unity, in whatever sphere of our lives, let us not confuse unity with uniformity. Let our aim be unity in diversity.

May the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd remind us to keep our eyes on him, to listen to him, and to place our trust in him. 

Anne Hunt

© Majellan Media 2021