The image of the Good Shepherd has its roots in the Old Testament but finds its most sublime expression in the words of Jesus. Here Jesus takes an image from the pasture and elevates it to describe an entirely new relationship with the Father established in Christ’s death and Resurrection.

We have reflected previously on why the image of a shepherd and sheep is an important one during Jesus’ time. To be a shepherd in Jesus’ time required living a life of total self-giving. The area where Jesus lived and worked had ground that was mostly rough and rocky. Raising sheep was, nonetheless, possible. However, it required moving constantly to find pastures for grazing. Every flock of sheep needed a shepherd who would lead the flock from place to place so the sheep could eat and survive.

Thus, being a shepherd could be very difficult. The shepherd was on duty every hour of every day. In the midst of that sheep could get lost, they could be attacked by predators, and they could be stolen by others. We, as people, are not that different from the sheep. Sheep without a shepherd were virtually defenseless.

Jesus is the gate of the sheepfold. Through Him all can pass safely into the presence of the Father, and in his saving presence, find sustenance and peace. Simple though this image is, it describes the experience of every sinner who has felt lost to the Father. Sin isolates us within ourselves, leaving us longing for the Father without knowing the way back. In His death and Resurrection Jesus became the Gate, the Way back to the Father. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.”

Blessings!

 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal Update

                                             St. Finbarr           St. Patrick           St. Ignatius

Goal                                     $8,305.00           $6,118.00            $9,802.00

Donors                                 14                           10                              23                                                                                                                                                            Total Received YTD           $4,400.00           $2,945.00            $6,760.00                                                                                               

$ Needed to Reach Goal  $3,905                    $3,173                    $3,042                                                                                                               

Please keep sick, hospitalized & home-bound Tri-Parish members in your prayers.

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If you would like to add someone to the Tri-Parish prayer chain, send an email to  triparishsecretary@gmail.com

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Mass Time:  Sunday Mornings @ 10:30 am

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