Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent
Sometimes it seems like human beings really need a leader. I’ve heard it said a lot recently that there is a need for leadership in the world. There is a need for insightful leaders, since so many of the problems that we are facing today are much bigger than any one person can address. In my life, too, I find myself needing a shepherd. I want more guidance on how to live my life. It’s not always clear where life is going. In modern times there are few certainties, and it often seems that people are looking for someone or something to give them assurance that they are doing things the right way. The scripture readings for today present us with the idea that ideal leader is Jesus, because he is willing to do all that he can for the sake of those who are in his care.
Jesus’ words in this passage are really a comfort to anyone in need of guidance, for it tells us that Jesus is there for us at all times, especially when we need help. He tells us that it is not God’s will for anyone to be lost (v. 14). This means that God is concerned about everyone, not just those who are considered ‘saved.’ God is going to go the extra mile for us to bring us back. He cares so much to do that for us. This goes along with the image of Jesus as the good shepherd (John 10: 15). Jesus is even willing to lay down his life for his sheep.
The story harkens back to the first reading, where Isaiah announces comfort for the people of God. The implication of this is that they will be led out of their exile back to the land of Judea. Isaiah compares God to a shepherd who is feeding his flock. He will carry the lambs in his bosom and “leads the ewes with care” (v. 11). What a striking image. The all-powerful creator of the universe is being compared to a shepherd. This is a striking contrast between God and other deities who were worshiped at the time. The latter were said to demand service, but they did not promise love and tender care to their followers.
There are two sides to the image of the shepherd and the flock that is used in both the first reading and the gospel for today – namely, God’s part and ours. We need a good leader, but we also need to be good at following where God leads us. In response to this realization, we can ask ourselves a few questions: Where are we being led today? Are we following God’s will for our lives? Are we willing for Jesus to pursue the lost sheep in our lives? Do we allow him to use us to reach out to others, or are we reluctant to do this? Do we rebel against the idea of saving the lost? Remembering that we were lost when Christ died for us (Romans 5: 8), let us renew our efforts to follow him. Here is a leader we can count on in good times and bad, one who will never let us down.
- Joel Schickel