Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 2, 2004


What is your image of a shepherd?

For many years growing up, I had a very cuddly image of a shepherd. The clean robes, the delicate sheep draped comfortably over the shoulders, the sun tan. Everything you’d expect of a shepherd who grew up in Southern California. Then, one year, when I was hiking in Ireland, above the Dingle Peninsula, I ran into an actual shepherd. He was nothing like what I expected.

I was warned of his approach by some guttural cries, a pounding sound, and the barking of a dog. Then there came around the corner of mountain the first of the sheep. And then, with more pounding noises, came the shepherd. He seemed a huge man. Wiry. Hair unkempt. With huge biceps. And he was carrying this ‘staff’ - though the word club would be more accurate. He’d pound on the ground, get the dogs attention, and with a whistle and pointing of this ‘mallet’ - he’d guide the sheep. Did I mention he had huge biceps? He eyed me across the distance, figured I was no threat in my shorts, camera and tennis shoes, and continued about his business. And suddenly, I understood the line “No one can take them from my hand” in a way that I never did before. Did I mention how big his arms were? No one can take them from his hand.

Though it is no longer the cuddly image of my youth that comes to mind when I think of the Good Shepherd, I prefer this image better. It’s the strong, rough and tough, don’t mess with me image of a Shepherd. And when I struggle in my sinfulness, when I am tempted to selfishness in my choices; in those moments of frustration when I just want to chuck the whole Christian enterprise out the window - it is this image that I fall back upon. Jesus, not letting go of MY hand. Jesus with that club, ready to protect me. Jesus, guiding me with his strong arm. It is the image of the Shepherd who will watch over me and guide me when I don’t know the way, who will protect me when I falter, which gives me comfort and courage.

So parents, the next time you feel like a mistake you’ve made in raising your children will effect them negatively forever - remember! there is no snatching from his hand. College students - the next time you’re struggling with a class or a choice you’ve made that seems ruinous - remember the biceps - it’s under control. And for all of us, when you feel down, when your mood is as gray as the weather - we’ve a shepherd who is there for us, and who will not let us out of his caring grasp. Let your prayer place yourself in his hands.

Finally, to our graduating seniors. Though you are always welcome back to the Newman Center and this mass at any time, there comes the time when you must move on to the next stage of life. Back to your home parish, or a new parish where the new apartment is; it matters not. What matters is that you connect to a community that will help you to hear the voice of the shepherd and follow him. Hopefully, you have learned many skills here that will be a blessing to your new community, but that community is not here. The purpose of this Newman Center is to prepare you for your place in the church and the world. So we send you forth, as Paul was sent forth, to be good news to all whom you will meet. As you go, know of our support and our love. And know that the doors are always open in welcome for you…

My image of a shepherd was forever transformed on that mountainside in Ireland. My image of sheep is strengthened today in the example of our Seniors who have done their best to follow Jesus with all their heart. May his strong hand and their strong devotion lead us all closer to the eternal life Jesus promises. Amen. Alleluia!