Readings (Year A):
Acts 2:14a, 36–41
Psalm 23: 1–3a, 3b4, 5, 6
1 Peter 2:20b–25
John 10:1–10
Reflection: Jesus invites us to abundant life
Once, when I was having a hard time choosing between two life paths, I consulted one of my role models—an authority figure whose opinion I respected. I was feeling insecure, and I wanted to know which choice was the “right” one. Rather than telling me what to do, my role model responded with a question: “Which option feels most life-giving for you?”
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus describes himself first as a shepherd, and then as “the gate” through which the sheep enter their enclosure. We may not see sheep or shepherds on a regular basis, but they were a common point of reference for the leaders to whom Jesus was speaking. In fact, Jesus is borrowing here from a long tradition of describing leaders as either “good shepherds” who care for their sheep, or “bad shepherds” who put their flocks in danger.
By referring to himself here as a shepherd, Jesus is saying that he is different from leaders who are driven by fear and self-concern. He is a good shepherd who knows the sheep and cares about each one. He would not jeopardize the well-being of any individual because he knows that the well-being of each one matters for the whole.
Jesus goes on to describes himself as the gate through which the sheep walk. The sheep come and go through the gate, experiencing both the shelter of the enclosure and the nourishment of the pasture. Because of his relationship with God, Jesus gives both the stability that comes from being fully known and the freedom of abundant life.
Looking back on my own experiences, I can see how many of my decisions have been based on fear—like the leaders to whom Jesus was speaking. But Jesus tells us here that true flourishing is found in freedom and abundant life.
When I asked my role model which choice was the right one, my question was coming from a place of fear. I wanted security and to feel safe. By suggesting that I worry less about what others thought, my role model was inviting me to accept true flourishing. The choice that was most life-giving for me would lead to the true security that stems from claiming my inherent dignity, not false belonging based on the fleeting approval of others. And, because my well-being impacts the well-being of those around me, the most life-giving choice for me contributes to the greater good.
In describing himself as a both a shepherd and a gate in today’s gospel, Jesus invites us to abundant life—life where security is found in what is most life-giving.
Amen.
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