The words we hear on Sunday reveal much about our Good Shepherd
by Sister Elise Cholewinski
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength.” These were the words on a poster that I once owned. As the Church focuses on the Good Shepherd this Sunday, I can’t help thinking that those two words, gentle and strong, beautifully describe Jesus.
Jesus spoke in gentle ways, like when He invited those who were tired and weary to come to Him, or when He said, “Make your home in me as I make mine in you.” (John 15:4) Yet in those words, spoken softly and sincerely, a person can feel the strength of His protective Presence and His deep love. Jesus could also speak in strong language, as when He told us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors, or when He commanded us to leave everything and follow Him, and even to take up the cross. Yet an aura of peace seems to surround those words.
The sheep hear their master’s voice and they follow Him. How do we listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd? Do we detect the strength in His message? Do we recognize the gentleness in His words?
As we also celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, could we apply the strength and the gentleness with which we identify the Good Shepherd to our dear mothers? Whether we feel their gentleness or their strength, we somehow always know the warmth of their loving embrace.
very good