Jesus the Good Shepherd

As we continue to relish the Easter season, this Fourth Sunday of Easter presents us with one of the most tender and powerful images in the Gospel: Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He speaks of the shepherd who enters through the gate, who calls his sheep by name, and whose voice they recognize. This image is not only spiritual but also deeply relational, and in our age of social communication, it carries even more meaning.

In the gospel, Jesus says, “The sheep hear his voice… he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” This is a communication of intimacy. The Good Shepherd does not shout into the void or manipulate from a distance; he knows, calls, and leads. His communication gives us three powerful thoughts: it’s personal, truthful, and life-giving. In a world often shaped by digital media, noise, and competing voices, this Gospel challenges us: Whose voice are we listening to? And what kind of voice are we becoming for others?

The image of the Good Shepherd reveals three important dimensions of communication in our relationships:

First, Communication rooted in truth and authenticity: Jesus contrasts himself with thieves and bandits, those who deceive, manipulate, or exploit. In our relationships, especially in the digital space, we are called to mirror the Shepherd: to communicate truthfully, not to spread falsehood, not to distort reality, not to be fake, and not to use words to wound. Authentic communication builds trust; false communication destroys it. Authentic communication creates a bond; manipulative communication exploits for personal gain. Authentic communication shuns the instincts and the desire to be the first to post things that lack authenticity. In fact, the theological significance of truthfulness in communication is grounded in God’s divine nature as Truth. “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Truthfulness aligns human communication with divine will, making honesty an essential moral obligation. Therefore, misrepresenting reality is a violation of the created order because God’s creation is rooted in truth.

Second, Communication that recognizes the dignity of each person: The Shepherd calls each sheep by name. This reminds us that every person is not a number, not a profile, not just a follower or contact, but a person with dignity. He values us as person. In our interactions (online and offline), we are called to see others as persons, not objects. Respect, empathy, and attentive listening are marks of Christ-like communication. This will influence the way we respond to others. It will touch us not to snub calls, SMS, chats, or emails that come to us seeking genuine needs. The need to be treated with dignity. Pope Benedict XVI exhorts us that “Human hearts are yearning for a world where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion”.

 Third, Communication that leads to life, not confusion; Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” The voice of the Good Shepherd leads to life, clarity, and hope. In contrast, many voices today lead to anxiety, division, and emptiness. Our words, posts, and conversations should be life-giving, encouraging, reconciling, and uplifting to others. There is also a need to reexamine the words we put out in the digital space, speak about others, or tell others.

Today is also World Day of Prayer for Vocation, and the image of the Good Shepherd reminds us that every vocation begins with hearing a voice.  Pope Leo XIV will ordain Deacon Christian Sguazzino who as a child was once kicked out of Mass by a priest because he was causing “chaos.” This is a testimony that God continues to call into the priesthood, religious life, marriage, and committed Christian living. But to hear that call, one must be attentive, discerning, and willing to listen beyond the noise.  The Good Shepherd assigns to each of us not only to become a model but also a mission: to communicate Christ to others through a life of service, truth, and sacrifice. So, we are invited to participate in this shepherding mission in our own contexts, families, communities, and digital spaces.

In a noisy world, the most powerful witness is not the loudest voice, but the most authentic one. May we learn to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd, and may our own voices become instruments of his love, guiding others toward the fullness of life. 

Amen and Happy Sunday