Good Shepherd Sunday
Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows
Fr. Steven Zabala, Homily
April 21, 2024
THE SHEPHERD WITHIN
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. The image of Good Shepherd is deeply rooted in Scriptures. In the Old Testament, God is often depicted as the Shepherd of Israel—guiding, protecting, and caring for his people. Check Ezekiel 34:11-16. Or Psalm 23–“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
INTIMATE
Popular na awit ho yan sa Pilipino:
Ang Panginoon ang aking pastolPinagiginhawa akong lubos. Handog niyang himlaya’y sariwang pastulanAng pahingaan ko’y payapang batisan,Hatid sa kalul’wa ay kaginhawahan,Sa tumpak na landas, Siya ang patnubay.Madilim na lambak man ang tatahakin ko,Wala aking sindak, Siya’y kasama ko.Ang hawak niyang tungkod ang siyang gabay ko.Tangan niyang pamalo, sigla’t tanggulan ko.
By applying this Good Shepherd imagery to himself, Jesus asserts his divine identity and the intimate relationship he shares with his followers.
SELFLESS SACRIFICE
Let us reflect on one trait of the Good Shepherd as mentioned by Jesus on the first verse. “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” It actually refers to Jesus’ impending crucifixion, where he willingly and totally offers himself for his mission, for the radical love he preaches and stands for, for our salvation.
This can mean two things.
Complete selflessness. Jesus exemplifies the epitome of selflessness and sacrificial love. In his death on the cross, he shows us willingness to give everything, to be fully available and committed to the well-being of others. Those who aspire for leadership must have a capacity for sacrifice—saying death to their own desires, comfort, and safety. They must be willing to prioritize the needs of others above their own.
ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE
Total availability. A shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep is one who is always present, attentive, and accessible to the needs of the flock. This requires a deep sense of availability, not only in times of ease but especially in moments of crisis and danger. Just as Jesus was always available to minister to the marginalized, heal the sick, and comfort the brokenhearted, those who serve as shepherds in their communities or organizations must be willing to make themselves fully available to provide support, guidance, and care to those under their charge.
CLERGY
As most of you know, by June the clergy of Cubao Diocese will be assuming their new assignments, their new “flocks”. As priests, we are supposed to be the shepherds to God’s flock here on earth. Hindi po simpleng responsibilidad yan.
As pastors, it is our duty to lead the community to Jesus. I have shared to you my initial trepidations whenever I am confronted by a new parish assignment.
In Silangan, in then newly established San Isidro Labrador Parish, my very first assignment as shepherd of a parish—I was challenged to lead a simple community to the Lord—most of them had very limited resources and had to toil for each day to survive. Mahirap madinig ang boses ng Diyos kung kailangan mo pang kumayod para magkalaman ang sikmura at pakainin ang pamilya.
At Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, Loyola Heights, I had to shepherd a reluctant cluster, ignite their fervor so that they could form a united community and build their parish church from the ground up.
Here in Christ the King Greenmeadows, I was challenged to lead a sophisticated community through their milestones and even amid a pandemic so that they could remain true to their character as a parish for others, against all odds. Kaya po there was a time when we decided to bring the Blessed Sacrament to the villages para ma feel nila ang presensiya ng Diyos kahit na sila ay natatakot na ma-Covid. At yan din ang dahilan kung bakit pinagbutihan natin ang paghahatid ng mga live-streamed Masses.
I have yet to discover what new challenge awaits me in my new assignment. I am both excited and nervous. But no matter what it is, it is my job to lead the community to God.
And I am to lead any community entrusted to me with the idea that I am willing to lay down my life for the sheep. Meaning, I must be willing to do sacrifices. To be completely selfless and totally available.
WE ARE ALL SHEPHERDS
The Good Shepherd imagery is not only applicable to us priests. Anyone aspiring for or already in a position of leadership must adopt the leadership qualities of the Good Shepherd. You’re the boss in the office? A leader in your neighborhood? Organization? Club? A parent in a family? Be a Good Shepherd! Be totally available! Be completely selfless! Be ready to make sacrifices for people under your care!
Naalala ko na naman ho yung kwento ni Fr. Bong Tupino tungkol sa kaniyang nanay. One time, in his elementary days, he reminded his mother that he is still doesn’t have the textbook. Pag wala yun, baka palabasin siya ng classroom. Budget was tight for the family at that time. Ano hong ginawa ng nanay niya? She borrowed the textbook of the neighbor. And the whole night, yes, buong gabi, kinopya ng nanay niya ang buong textbook, handwritten, sa notebook! Pag gising ni Fr. Bong, sabi ng nanay niya, “Makakapasok ka na anak sa school, eto na ang textbook mo.”
That is one clear example of a Good Shepherd laying one’s life for the sheep!
PRAY FOR US
Kaya pagdasal po nating ang isaq’t isa, ako bilang pari, lalo sa aking next assignment, kayo, bilang “pastol” sa inyong kaniya kaniyan bokasyon at misyon, that we will always be like the Good Shepherd must—alwasy willing to make ourselves fully available to provide support, guidance, and care to those under their charge.
Amen.
