Abbot Leo used to remind us of the differences between the shepherds we see on the Island and those he had seen in the Holy Land. Here the shepherd follows the flock and keeps an eye out for any that are getting left behind, and so that he can control his dogs. His calls and his whistling are for the dogs. There the shepherd goes ahead and calls the sheep. He knows where water and pasture are to be found, and he is the one who has to lead the flock gently. Dogs are around, and it is safest to watch out for them because their task is to protect the sheep when outside the fold.
This pattern of the oriental shepherd, being leader, calling the sheep so that they follow, is the one that resonates in our hearts on this Sunday dedicated to prayer for vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate, to religious life and to all forms of ministry in the Church. The joy of hearing and responding to the call of our Divine Shepherd is great and lasting to the one called. Jesus calls each of us to live in his presence, to be with him through fidelity to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. It is a great privilege for us who have grown old in our poor witness to our Risen Lord to be able to testify that his mercy is new every morning, and his faithfulness is great. The word of the brave Shepherd: Peace, do not be afraid, is our continual assurance.
The image of the Lord as Shepherd is dynamic: Jesus is calling each one of us to follow him, to be growing, moving on, reaching out to what lies ahead. The Gospel today is a bit unexpected: Jesus is the door, the entrance. The image may seem static, rather than active and dynamic. When we are considering divine realities we need to remember that our lives pass through different phases. Our needs change. God is unchanging. God loves us faithfully, and all the events of our lives are drawing us to him. Most obviously, our Mother the Church is our fold: guiding us in the way of salvation, and defending us from the thieves and robbers who steal, kill and destroy. The pilgrim Church is like a sheep fold, both fortress and hospital, images of stability, reflecting God’s unchanging will to save us all.
Almighty, ever living God,
lead us to a share in the joys of heaven,
so that the humble flock may reach
where the brave Shepherd has gone before.