4th week in Easter Time, Monday – 9th May 2022– Gospel: Jn 10,1-10
The Good Leader
There were two ways to enter a sheepfold, depending on whether one wished to shepherd the sheep or do harm to them. The one who enters by deception is a thief; the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd. Jesus, the Good shepherd, first presents himself as the gateway for his flock. He exhibits leadership as shepherd of God’s flock and the door to God. The opposing religious leaders are thieves and bandits, who treat their sheepfold badly. The gatekeeper has no hesitation in letting the true shepherd into the fold. In contrast to the bad leaders, Jesus is the way through which the sheep are protected and the way of access to good pasture. He is the mediator who will provide them with what they need and desire: i.e., both secure protection and abundant nourishment.
