The Smell of the Sheep

Gospel: John 10: 1-10

It would seem axiomatic that a shepherd would be good to his sheep.  Even the motive of self-interest would seem to suggest care for the sheep, as it would benefit the shepherd at market to have all his sheep available for sale or for shearing than not.  But it is precisely the motive of self-interest that Jesus intends to criticize in today's Gospel reading, for it is never a good motive if one seeks to be a good shepherd.

While the self-interested shepherd may indeed want all the sheep available for market, does it follow that he loves the sheep? If danger threatened him and the flock, would the self-interested shepherd give up his own life to save the sheep, or would he instead sacrifice one or more of the sheep for his own welfare?  A good shepherd is known by his actions on behalf of the flock.  

When people cannot find good shepherds they wander about in search of one or give up altogether.  When parishes are closed while the episcopal residence of 7500 square feet is retained...when building campaigns for new residences for clergy take priority over the needs of the people...the sheep know and pray ever more fervently for a good shepherd - one who lives among them and cares for them.  The Lord Jesus is that very shepherd who is at the same time the lamb offered in our ransom.