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Chapter 10 of the Gospel according to John can be quite puzzling until we realize that John presents two different parables by which Jesus described himself, followed by an explanation of each parable. Jesus is both the gate of the sheepfold and the shepherd of the sheep. If we try to understand these two affirmations in conjunction we fail to get any logical sense out of them. In the Gospel according to John, Jesus used seven different parables or images to describe himself and his relationship with us. Because these images are separated in different chapters in our Bibles, we generally have no problem in distinguishing them and separately understanding the teaching they contain. The images of Jesus as gate of the sheepfold and as shepherd are set closely together in one chapter and are taken from the same human reality of shepherding, thus resulting in a lack of clarity.
It will help if we subsume the teaching of the passage which we read today under the theme of intimacy, presented as the shepherd and his sheep knowing each other.
Lord Jesus, may we always hear Your voice calling us by name and so respond and reach that eternal life which You have promised us and which You won for us by Your whole earthly life, Your passion, death and resurrection.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That people may learn to respect creation and care for it as a gift of God.
Elaboration
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