Jesus, our Lord and Saviour is the Good Shepherd of our souls. He calls some people - the Pope, bishops and priests - in order that they may follow in His footsteps more deeply as the shepherds of His flock. There are three important duties of every one who is called to be a good shepherd.

"I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jesus laid down His life for us through His cross. It is a duty of every priest to offer his life totally in the service of the Gospel. We need priests who will show us the way to God's eternal truth in our world of moral confusion and uncertainty.

"I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me." Nothing is hidden from Jesus. He knows everyone of us by name. We know Jesus when we believe in Him and obey His commandments. Every shepherd of the Church is called to life of fervent charity. It is charity that gives us true knowledge of others because they are not afraid to share their lives with someone who loves them.

"I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd." Jesus offered His life for everyone and He wants the Church to be united in truth and love. Shepherds of the Church should work tirelessly to build unity among those who believe in Jesus as the only Lord and Saviour.