The Good Shepherd? Or Hired Help?

A Gospel Enquiry drawing on Jesus’ words about being the Good Shepherd

The Church celebrates the life and death of St Apollinaris, a first century Christian martyr. We know very little about him, but tradition tells us that he knew St Peter, who sent him to Ravenna, Italy as its bishop. Apollinaris was a fearless leader of his local church. He suffered persecution, torture and death in the name of Christ. The Gospel proclaimed during the memorial Mass celebrated on his feast day sums up his life and example in Jesus’ words: “The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). A faithful disciple, St Apollinaris demonstrated in his life the total commitment of the Good shepherd. 

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. The worker who is paid to keep the sheep is different from the shepherd who owns them. When the worker sees a wolf coming, he runs away and leaves the sheep alone. Then the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. The man runs away because he is only a paid worker and does not really care about the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I give my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this flock, and I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:11-16 - NCV).

SEE

[In this step, we consider the parallels between the Gospel and our lives.]

• What happens in the scene described by Jesus? Look at the two types of people he describes. What has been happening in his world that leads him to describe himself as “the good shepherd”?

• Which are you more like: “the good shepherd”? Or “the worker who is paid”? Think of a common situation in your life in which you “give your life for the sheep”, or you run away. Why have you chosen to act in this way? 

• What happens to Jesus because he chooses to be “the good shepherd”? What happens in your life when you choose to be a shepherd? Or just one of the hired help? 

JUDGE

[In this step, we reflect on the integration of faith and life.]

• Concerning Jesus’ worldview, how relevant is his description of the two types of people caring for others in the world in which you live? 

• What does your faith tell you about how you should treat others?

• When you think about people caring for others in society, what should be happening?

ACT

[In this step, we commit ourselves to action that leads to self-transformation and the transformation of our society.]

• What needs to change to how people are cared for in your world?

• What action could you undertake this week that will contribute to the change you think should happen?

• Who can you involve in your action and how?

Author: Pat Branson 

Image source: My Catholic Life: St Apollinaris