Good Shepherd Sunday

by Fr. Jerome Cayetano  |  04/26/2026  |  The WORD in other words

Every Fourth Sunday of Easter is called the "Good Shepherd Sunday" because the readings are centered on the attitudes and attributes of a Good Shepherd. Jesus is presented as the "Good Shepherd" par excellence. In fact, this is one of the most beautiful descriptions of Jesus. The early Christians depict this well. I remember, when went down to the catacombs in Rome, several years ago, a saw a statue of a Roman boy carrying a sheep on his shoulder which aptly describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

There are three verses that are worth reflecting on in today's Gospel. First, Jesus said: "Amen, amen I say is to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate, but climbs over elsewhere, is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep." (Jn 10:1-2). And the second verse is this: "Amen, amen I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture." (Jn 10:8- 9). And the third one is this: "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (Jn 10:10)

My commentary regarding the first verse, it is true that thieves and robbers usually climb the fence if they want to rob a house. They do not walk through the gate or the front door. Only the owner of the house would confidently pass through the gate and the door. Jesus being the shepherd passes through the gate of the temple confidently because it is the house of his Father. Moreover, he passes through the Gate of Heaven anytime because he is the Son of God. As for the second verse, Jesus has emphatically claimed that He is gate of the sheep and that whoever comes through Him will be saved. Certainly He is right to say so because He said: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Jn 14:6). His primary mission in the world is to save mankind from their sins and to bring them back to the Father. And the third verse expresses one of the most assuring words of Jesus - He came into this world to give us life. Life here is not only understood as physical like "breath of life," but "eternal life," a life with God, is a "life of grace." We are definitely living a life in abundance if we live in God's grace, that is, if we have Jesus in our heart and life.

Today is the Good Shepherd Sunday, and we are inspired, convicted and challenged today to imitate the life of Jesus being the Good Shepherd. Whatever vocation or lifestyle or profession we have, we are expected to be shepherds to our brothers and sisters. What are the attributes of a Good Shepherd? First, a Good Shepherd ought to have a good and benevolent intention about people. This good intention must be coming from his innate goodness, which originates from God. As a shepherd, he or she should not think of evil or think badly about people. Good thoughts will definitely lead to good actions. Bad or evil thoughts lead to evil and bad actions. Second, a Good Shepherd must know his or her sheep by name. Knowing and calling the name of the person is a sign that you value the person and that he or she is significant to you. It is a sign that you value relationship with the person and that you do not treat him or her as commodity to be used or abused, but a person whom you can relate. Third, a Good Shepherd leads people, not only by word, but by example. Good leaders can command and direct. But better leaders lead by example. Finally, a Good Shepherd ought to be willing to give his life for the sheep. Jesus says: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for the many." He showed it when He died on the cross for us. That is the greatest service that Jesus gave to us.

It is not enough for us to imitate and emulate Jesus as our Good Shepherd. Today, we are being asked to pray for all our shepherds - our Pope, our bishops, our priests, our political leaders, our Congressmen, our Governor, our Mayor etc., for all people who have positions or hold an office and have authority over us, including our grandparents, parents, guardians and teachers.