In ancient Israel, the nomadic, sacrificing shepherd took care of his sheep with total dedication, even at the risk of his own life. He would travel with his flock from one pasture to another as the seasons changed. He would lead them to shelter in inclement weather and defend them against beasts of preys and bandits. Thus, the shepherd developed such a personal closeness to his sheep that they would recognize his voice and distinguish it from others, and would follow him wherever he led them. And when one of them strayed or got lost, he would search until he found it, while the flock would docilely stay together until he returned.
If such was the human shepherd, what more the divine one, as repeatedly described in the Old Testament.
"Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care." (Is. 40:11).
More than that: "I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark …. The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind, the sick I will heal, shepherding them rightly." (Ezek. 34:11, 16)
No wonder the psalmist could say with such confidence and trust:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose,
Beside restful waters he leads me,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the valley of darkness,
I fear no evil, for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage." (Ps.23: 1-4).
All that and more was what Jesus experienced, throughout his life, passion, death, and resurrection. All that and more is what He is to us and for us, so that we, too, can be good shepherds who will lay down our lives for our sheep. What is life for if not for that!
Remember Dr. Carlo Urbano, the 46-year-old infectious disease specialist in Vietnam? He was the first one who spotted the SARS virus as disastrous, atypical, and highly contagious, needing drastic measures for prevention and cure. He put his own personal safety on the line by attending to SARS patients in a hospital in Hanoi. He initiated protective measures like patient isolation, high-filter masks, and double-gowns among the hospital staff. He likewise informed the government at once, despite the panic it would cause, and asked the World Health Organization for technical assistance. Due to all his efforts, the outbreak of SARS in Vietnam was brought under control. But due to his continued, personal caring for the SARS patients, he himself succumbed to the disease and died soon after. He is now hailed as a hero and a saint by many in Vietnam.
What about other medical caregivers from various other countries who have likewise died due to their fearless service to SARS patients? And the many more who are alive and continue to take care of such patients at the risk of their own lives, including here in our country? "I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
What about our hands-on, faithful family men, ever-caring mothers, hard-working professionals, dedicated, low-salaried teachers, morally-committed public servants and politicians, and Priests and Sisters who are so devoted to God’s people?
Yes. The good shepherds of today. Amen. Alleluia!