Sunday, April 26th, 2026

Meditation

As many of you are well aware, I had the privilege of shepherding a tour group to both Greece and Italy. We followed the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and discovered biblical places like Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Athens and Rome. Sometimes I led the group from the front in order to guide and give direction. At other times I led from the back in an attempt to keep the group together. Either way, shepherding is not for the faint of heart.

This week, Saint John the Evangelist gives us a glimpse into the heart of The Good Shepherd. As Jesus speaks to those in His care, He uses the familiar image of a shepherd and his sheep. There is a deep connection between the shepherd and his flock. The shepherd has the distinct responsibility to guide and protect those under his care. Being a shepherd is not for the faint of heart because sheep often wander and find themselves lost and alone because they are easily distracted.

The heart of Christ beats for each of us. We wander and stray, failing to see the danger of being alone. We would be easy prey if it weren’t for the sacrifice of Jesus who is willing to lay down His life for us. The voice of the Good Shepherd cuts through the darkness when He says, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son as our Good Shepherd to guide and protect us. He laid down His life for us because we easily wander, stray, and find ourselves lost and alone. Open our ears to hear Your voice and bring us back to the safety of Your arms. Make our heart beat for Yours alone. Amen