Jesus in the Gospel of John said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (Jn 10,14-15) Culpepper commented on this section of the Gospel and highlighted the key elements of recognition and relationship.[1] The Good Shepherd did not lay down His life for just anyone, but the whole humanity whom He loves dearly. As the shepherd knows his sheep, Jesus intimately knew His flock.
The Good Shepherd did not just lay down His life for His flock. He searches for those who are “not of His fold” and bring them together, so that they may be one flock and one Shepherd. (Jn 10,16) Bultmann stated that this verse is of ecclesiastical interest at it prophesized the mission and nature of the universal Church.[2] Deeper than prophesy, is the imagery of Jesus’ own mission of bringing the whole humanity into unity with God. This signifies the dynamic and active presence of Jesus in the lives of His disciples in fulfilling the mission of bring the whole humanity one with God, so that there will be one flock under one shepherd, i.e. one Church under Jesus loving shepherding.[3]
Starting yesterday, almost all media stations both local and international focused their news on the ongoing conclave. Millions of people are eagerly waiting for the white smoke to come out that will announce that we have a pope. With this scenario vividly captured all over the world, I believe many are hopefully waiting for a good shepherd that will usher the Church in this trying times of Her history. We learn from Jesus, and we beg from Him, that He may grant us a pastor that is rooted and continuously formed by His heart.
As pastor in the modern times, one is called to follow in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd; to know and care for the people, to feel for them and be with them. The world needs a shepherd, who could be able to feel and empathized with the various cultures of the world, who could understand and appreciate the beauty of diversity and its power to usher unity in the Church. We need a pastor that could be able to enflame the hearts of the people, especially the young to go back to the embrace of the Church, rather than strict and stern with laws that will drive away believers from the embrace of the Church. We need a pontiff that could bring theology one with culture and modern science, rather than condemnation.
There is a great work ahead for the new pontiff, yet we trust in God’s love and compassion for us His people. We continue to pray for our cardinal-electors that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit to choose a pastor that will be able to guide the whole Church in this time. (Coke Prieto)
Friends of John 2012 