Lord, Shepherd Me – Missionary Commentary for Sunday, May 11, 2025

Lord, Shepherd Me

“Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life” is the refrain from a popular liturgical song by Marty Haugen; it is frequently heard at masses as the refrain of the responsorial psalm. It reflects the theme of today’s readings. In fact, this day is often called: Good Shepherd Sunday.

Now, allow your imagination to move from today back to the “60s” (not the “1960s”) and travel to Rome. Many people were becoming Christians and their faith was being severely tested. Both Saints Peter and Paul had been martyred between 64 and 67 under the persecution of Emperor Nero. Christians were being thrown to the lions in the coliseum [to commemorate their sacrifice the Pope makes the way of the cross in the coliseum on Good Friday]. In a word, being a Christian demanded deep faith—even to the point of death.

One response of the Christians was to literally go “under-ground”; they met in the catacombs both to worship and bury their dead. What paintings did these early Christians place on the catacomb walls? The earliest and most frequent image was that of the Good Shepherd. Even in the most difficult of times, Christians felt Jesus’ closeness to them. Even if they walked in the valley of death, they trusted in Jesus’ compassionate presence.

Through the centuries two images of Jesus as the Good Shepherd have been popular. One depiction has the shepherd carrying the sheep on his shoulders; another portrayal shows the shepherd in the midst of the flock guiding the sheep. Both images manifest the tender love of Jesus for the sheep, for us.

Quite naturally we can say (along with the early Christians): The Lord is my shepherd. We hear Jesus’ tender words spoken to us: “I am the good shepherd; I lay down my life for my sheep; I know my own and my own know me” (John 10). Our faith is indeed a great source of consolation!

Frequently, when we think of shepherds in the Church, we naturally—and correctly—think of the guiding role of the bishops, religious, and priests. However, the task can also be very validly applied to the pivotal role parents play in the family. Fathers and mothers, along with the help of Jesus, you are to be true shepherds for your family. Parenting, shepherding, is your pathway to holiness. What is asked of you?

First, the true shepherd recognizes the needs of the sheep. Secondly, the good shepherd is able to gather and guide the flock. Thirdly, the shepherd is able to demonstrate caring and compassion, because he knows the needs of the sheep. Lastly, shepherding demands feeding the sheep.

On this “Good Shepherd Sunday” (also Mother’s Day) I choose to end this reflection on a very practical note by offering a concrete suggestion. Parents may wish to consider having two images of Christ present in the home. Of course, the crucifix is essential. They may also wish to purchase a picture of Christ the Good Shepherd with a sheep on his shoulder or walking among the sheep. These two images will serve as reminders to both parents and children, facilitating a deeper contemplation of the Good Shepherd.

Notes on the Sunday Readings

First Reading — Acts 13:14, 43-52
On the Sundays after Easter, we read in the Acts of the Apostles of the impact of the risen Lord on the disciples of the early Christian community. Today’s reading describes a typical scene of difficult community growth. We witness how Saint Paul turns to the non-Jews, and many of them became believers.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 100:1-5
This psalm is a kind of “song of thanks” that celebrates all those who have heard the Good News of the Lord’s resurrection, declaring: “We are his people; the sheep of his flock.”

Second Reading — Revelation 7:9, 14-17
The Book of Revelation is highly symbolic. Here John gives us a vision of the followers of the risen Lord. They have endured persecution and now stand before the Lamb, the Risen Lord. This Lamb, says John, will be the shepherd of the sheep.

Gospel — John 10:27-30
In today’s Gospel from chapter ten of the Fourth Gospel, Jesus declares himself as the Good Shepherd. Sheep (and other animals) really do recognize and follow the voice of their shepherd. So, we can recognize Jesus as our Lord who leads us safely through life to eternal pastures.

Notes and Commentary by Maryknoller James H. Kroeger, who recently published Walking with Pope Francis: The Official Documents in Everyday Language (Orbis Books – 2023) and Exploring Vatican II Treasures: Actors, Events, Insights, commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the close of Vatican II [1965-2025] (Faith Alive Books – 2024).