The Good Shepherd
August 17, 2022
Dear Family of Mary!
Today in the first reading for Holy Mass, the prophet Ezekiel compares the leaders of God's people to shepherds. But he says that they are bad shepherds who do not care for the sheep, but only for their own comfort. He gives a blistering condemnation of those evil shepherds.
But this reading is followed by Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd"... what a comfort it is to know that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Here is Psalm 23:
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil,
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.*
Our Lady has talked about her Son as the Good Shepherd. She also calls us to follow him. Her words are golden:
December 2, 2019
"Dear children,
as I am looking at you who love my Son,
my heart is being filled with tenderness.
I am blessing you with a motherly blessing.
With a motherly blessing,
I am also blessing your shepherds -
you who speak the words of my Son,
who bless with His hands
and who love Him so much
that you are ready to make every sacrifice for Him with joy.
You are following Him, who was the first shepherd, the first missionary.
My children,
apostles of my love,
to live and work for others,
for all those whom you love through my Son,
is the joy and comfort of earthly life.
If through prayer, love and sacrifice
the Kingdom of God is in your hearts,
then your life is joyful and bright.
Among those who love my Son
and who love each other through Him,
words are not necessary.
A gaze is sufficient
for the unspoken words
and unexpressed feelings to be heard.
There where love reigns,
time no longer counts.
We are with you.
My Son knows you and loves you.
Love is that which brings you to me,
and through that love I will come to you
and speak to you of the works of salvation.
I desire for all of my children to have faith
and to feel my motherly love
which leads them to Jesus.
Therefore, you, my children,
wherever you go,
illuminate with love and faith
as apostles of love.
Thank you."
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2022
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