We typically desire to lead, not follow, but sometimes it can be freeing to let go of control. Danny Gustafson, SJ, reflects on the freedom that can be found in following the Good Shepherd. Based on the readings for Sunday, May 8, 2022.
Be a leader, not a follower! Don’t be a sheep! That is not the message we hear in today’s readings.
Hi, I’m Fr. Danny Gustafson, and this is my one-minute homily.
We hear a lot about sheep and shepherds in today’s readings. The psalm says we are his people, the sheep of his flock. And then in the Gospel, Jesus says, “I know my sheep. They hear my voice and they follow me.” That’s what sheep do – they follow the shepherd.
Following someone or something can seem like a loss of control, right? Leading and making our own decisions are celebrated values in our society. So if I’m not doing what I want to do, that’s a loss of control, isn’t it?
Actually, letting go of some of that control can be freeing. We don’t need to be in the driver’s seat all of the time. We don’t need to make the decisions all of the time. Ultimately, letting go of some of that control, taking a deep breath, and simply following our Good Shepherd is freeing.
