By Esperanza Principio, M.M.
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Acts 4:8-12 | 1 Jn 3:1-2 | Jn 10:11-18
Today’s readings are related in a common theme: they speak to the centrality of Jesus Christ, who has died to save us, in our lives. Jesus calls us to be like him. Jesus continues to lay down his life for us. The Good Shepherd never fails to be faithful, despite our frailty and distractions. Yet all are called to live for others.
In the high plains of Puno, the one thing that catches my attention on my visits is the sight of an Aymara shepherd herding a flock of sheep. I find it very biblical. Growing up without having seen a sheep in my home country of the Philippines, the sight of it speaks to me of Jesus the Good Shepherd. As I observe, I notice how patiently the shepherd would watch the sheep under his or her care and stay faithfully until it is time to head back home.
This fidelity speaks a thousand words to me. The shepherd has a close proximity, intimacy, and connection to every single sheep under his or her care. This is how Jesus is in our lives, too. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus has made himself known to us. His words: “I know mine and mine know me.” Jesus made himself known, and that he is always present, here and now, to guide and direct us. We can call on him when we are lost or weary. And if we go astray, he will find us. What a deep love Jesus has for us that he called us his own children! It is God’s gift that we would become a part of him; called, preserved, and cared for.
Shepherds are our companions in the journey. In African philosophy Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” We have elders and role models to look up to and emulate. Our parents laid down their lives with their selfless devotion and sacrifice, for us to grow and be in a better place now. In the Church, we have saints our source of inspiration to holiness. We have leaders who can transform lives and even a nation. However, we also have leaders who can eliminate people’s dreams and aspirations. We all are called to lead and accompany God’s people.
Here in Peru, and way back in my service in Panama, my 11 years of experience with the Global Network of Religions for Children has given me the opportunity to journey with different faith communities involving ministry to children, families, and faith leaders. We collaborate and unite our efforts to address issues affecting children. We promote children’s rights and their wellbeing.
The most important lesson for me, though, is to see the common values that religions of the world have. It is the core — spirituality and prayer. This core would anchor and impel us to develop right relationships with God, whom we call by different names, with people in the community, with ourselves, and with all that is in this universe.
Jesus the Good Shepherd gathers us together as one flock, one body. In our world today, we have brothers and sisters who suffer immensely in the war zones of Gaza and Ukraine (especially women and children), people disappeared to human trafficking, and individuals fractured by hopelessness, violence and pain. The earth suffers loss of biodiversity and bleeds from fossil fuel extraction. As one flock, we are called to unite efforts and work together to restore justice, peace, hope, liberty, and healing for people and our planet today.
Maryknoll Sister Esperanza V. Principio, of the Philippines, is a former sister of the Religious of the Virgin Mary who became an associate of the Maryknoll Sisters in 2005. Serving in Panama, she joined the Maryknoll congregation and professed final vows in 2012. Soon after she was assigned to Peru, where she continues to serve.
To read other Scripture reflections published by the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, click here.
Featured image: Maryknoll Sister Esperanza Principio (far right) took on a short-term mission assignment with Caritas Madre de Dios of Puerto Maldonado, Peru, to serve Indigenous farming families in the Amazon. She is shown here with an Amazonian community member (center) and a volunteer tending a garden together. (Courtesy of Esperanza Principio/Peru).
