THE SHEPHERD THAT WILL LEAD US TO ETERNAL LIFE
Today the 4th Sunday of Easter, is normally regarded as Good Shepherd Sunday. The gospel reading is that of John 10 where Jesus proclaims himself as the good shepherd. It is also a day we pray for and encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
 
In every human society, it is very important to have leaders, it is of more importance to have good leaders who care and are concerned for their people. Some leaders can go as far as laying down their lives for their subjects. At this point in time in our world, we are looking up to our leaders who are to care and cater for us. For us Christians, Jesus is our leader and shepherd. God has assured us through the prophet Isaiah 49:15, that even if a woman should forget her suckling child, he will never forget us. 

Some years ago, it was very easy to compare the love of God for us with the love of Fulani Herdsmen for their cows. The image of Fulani herdsmen today has been bastardized as they are now portrayed as thieves and kidnappers. Fulani herdsmen were known for their love for their animals, they lead them to green pastures, give them water, protect them against dangerous animals and even communicate with them. Their cows hears their voice and act accordingly. They are very close to their cows that they smell like them. This is the same care and love Jesus shows us. He wants us to trust and believe in him. We should not listen to other voices, because they are thieves and robbers who have come to feed on the sheep. 

In the second reading, St John tells us that those who listen to the voice of Jesus the shepherd and follow him, will be led to eternal life. Nevertheless, we see I'm the first reading that following Jesus as our shepherd may be followed with some painful moments, obstacles and difficulties just as Paul and Barnabas encountered. When we are suffering, we may think that God does not care about us anymore. Even Jesus Christ who committed no sin suffered, but he trusted God his father. He accepted to suffer so that those of us who are straying sheep will return to the sheep fold. The parable of the lost sheep always remindss us that God does not want anyone to be lost, and that he cares for every human person. 

Lord help us to listen to your voice and follow you, fir in you alone is our happiness. Amen. 

*Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP*