On the fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church remembers that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Even though we're not sheep, we need to be shepherded, guided to make the right choices and do the right things. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus offers us his example, his words and his life, to guide us in our lives.
As a parent, have you ever thought of yourself as a shepherd? Recall a time when you had to get your family ready to go someplace, like church, or had to gather them to return home. How did you feel through all of the activity? Perhaps like a shepherd?
We are told when our children are baptized that we are to be examples of God's love and mercy to them. We reflect God's love to our children. Our children come to know God first and foremost through their relationships with us. So it makes sense that we are shepherds of our families, guiding them as they learn to make decisions, leading them to God, protecting them from harm. We follow Jesus' example of the Good Shepherd whenever we guide, lead, and protect our families.
As you take time this week to reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and your role as the shepherd of your family, use this download as a guide in reflecting on Psalm 23.
