Gospel: John 10:11-18
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. 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. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
Is it our fear of the unknown, or is it Jesus?
If the Lord is truly shepherding us, then we are in good hands. We need not be afraid of what lies ahead, for we are under His loving care. Whatever may come, we can endure, because Jesus Himself watches over us and protects us. A good shepherd desires nothing but the good of his sheep. He does not abandon them in danger; instead, he willingly offers his own life for their sake.
In our modern world, however, many things try to take the place of the shepherd in our lives. These are the things that capture our attention, slowly shape our desires, and eventually begin to control us. At times, we may not even realize that we have already allowed them to lead us.
For example, money can become our shepherd if we allow greed to take root in our hearts. When this happens, money no longer serves us—we begin to serve it. It can quietly take control of our priorities, influence our decisions, and even distance us from the people we love. In the end, it may harm not only us but also our family.
Our work, too, can become our shepherd. This happens when we allow it to consume us—when we give so much of ourselves to our responsibilities that we hardly have time left for our loved ones. Little by little, relationships weaken, and the family, which should be our source of strength and love, begins to suffer.
Even our ambition to become wealthy or successful can act as a false shepherd. While these may seem good on the surface, they can lead us away from what truly matters if we allow them to take first place in our lives. Indeed, there are many “false shepherds” competing for our attention, each promising fulfillment but often leaving us empty.
And yet, in the midst of all these, Jesus gently calls out to us. He does not force Himself upon us, but lovingly invites us: “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), and “I lay down my life for you” (John 10:15). He alone knows us completely. He alone leads us to what is truly good, true, and life-giving.
Why, then, do we hesitate to entrust our lives to Him?
Perhaps we can begin by opening our hearts to His Word—by reading the life and teachings of Jesus in the Bible. Perhaps we can deepen our encounter with Him by participating more fully in the Holy Mass, where He gives Himself to us in a very real and personal way.
We may have already allowed money, work, or worldly ambitions to shepherd our lives. But if we are honest with ourselves, have these truly given us what we are longing for? Have they brought us lasting peace, deep joy, and genuine contentment?
Who is truly leading us—and are we ready to surrender our lives completely to the Good Shepherd who knows us, loves us, and gave His life for us?—Marino J. Dasmarinas
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