The Master proclaims that he alone is our shepherd. He calls out and leads his sheep. Jesus boldly declares that anyone who attempts to lead his sheep in other paths is a thief. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. It is the Lord who came to give us life to the fullest.

“Jesus the Good Shepherd defends, knows, and above all loves his sheep. And this is why he gives his life for them (cf Jn 10:15). Love for his sheep, that is, for each one of us, leads him to die on the cross because this is the Father’s will — that no one should be lost. Christ’s love is not selective; it embraces everyone.” (Pope Francis)

God’s Word could not have been any clearer. Hence we should take time to reflect on who we are following. Is it Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Or is it money, ambitions, fame, power, lust, or even relationships however good they are? The Holy Spirit will speak to our hearts as we open the closed rooms of our hearts to him.

It is none other than St Peter, to whom the Lord handed over his Church, who instructs us. It is noteworthy that Peter raised his voice when addressing the crowd, he was not whispering or mumbling, careful to not offend anyone. Instead he preached courageously.

He boldly announced that God has made the crucified Jesus, the Lord and Messiah. How much more clearly shall we hear the same truth from the Holy Spirit. He will surely convict us gently that we too have been following other lords.

The instructions are simple; repent of our current lifestyles and mindsets in the ocean of his mercy. “Be baptised” means to be plunged into living water. In baptism our old nature died with Christ and we were raised up as a new creation. Through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we renew the

Let us choose to respond to our Good Shepherd who carried our sins in his body, and allowed himself to be nailed to a cross, nailing our sinful nature along with him.

St. Peter assures us that by Jesus’ wounds we have been healed already. Let us receive this truth in faith for us and our dear ones, far and near. “This promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off…” (Acts 2:39)

I desire this life of divine love and power, following the Good Shepherd. I want my loved ones to have the same joyous lifestyle, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Do you also desire to follow the Good Shepherd?

Prayer: Abba Father, than you for senfing your only Son to suffer what we deserved, so that we can enjoy everything he deserved. Amen.