We have two important readings today at Mass: the first reading is how the Gentiles are now to be included in those who are to be saved by the words and deeds of Jesus; the gospel is about how Jesus lays down his life for those who follow him, hear his voice and believe in him – as a good shepherd would lay down his life for his sheep. The gospel passage also refers to other sheep who do not belong to the fold – but what are invited to do so – who are invited to listen to his voice, follow his lead and join the one flock where there is one shepherd.
While it is true that salvation primarily was to be for God's chosen people – the plan changed when these people rejected God's gift to them – Jesus and the Holy Spirit – and wanted to have nothing to do with them. They were satisfied to wallow in the darkness of their lives, the darkness of their sins. So, God said: "Fine! Go right ahead! Have it your way! But never say you were not warned, when the Last Day comes and you will be judged on the decisions you made in your lifetime."
All of the fruits, then, of salvation, were offered to the Gentiles – the Greeks, those who were not originally supposed to be included. Peter, in the first reading, gets instruction straight from God in a vision, in this regard – when
God basically tells him that he, God, is in charge and he can make anything clean that he wants to make clean – and that Peter has the authority on earth to bring into the Church whoever God wants brought into the Church. And so it was! And it was wonderful. Any who thirst for God can be satisfied now!
In the gospel passage Jesus assures the flock that he is completely devoted to them and that they can rely on him, they can listen attentively to his voice and be led in the right direction always – without fail. He not only would – but did – give his life for them – they are of such import and value to him and his Father.
In addition, Jesus is also concerned about wandering and stray and black sheep! They too are meant to belong to the one fold – having him as their leader and guide. We still pray today for the sheep who are apart from the one true flock – we pray that they be open to the Holy Spirit's promptings to bring them home where they belong. Whatever the reason for their separateness is no match for the grace and power of God's love to unite into one his family! We pray for union and peace among all men – especially this week as the Vicar of Christ – the Successor of Saint Peter – visits our country. It is his responsibility as Chief Shepherd in our time, as much as it was Jesus', as much as it was Peter's to obey God's will of doing all they could to promote pure, healthy and undisturbed family life in the Kingdom of God!
Jesus is the good shepherd! He knows and loves his sheep; and the true sheep of his flock knows and loves him! What joy in life comes from such an intimate relationship!
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