Reflection: "I am the Good Shepherd."

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is our Protector and our Refuge. When we wander away and get lost, He never stops looking for us. He knows us by name and we are His own. He watches over His flock and protects us from danger and from enemies. When we are in trouble, He lifts us up on His shoulder or under the safety of His arm and He carries us home.

I am the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Meditation:  Imagine you are lost in the forest, wandering, feeling afraid and alone. You cannot find your way out and you do not know where to go for shelter. The sounds of the night frighten you. Suddenly, you hear someone calling your name. It is the Lord, Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He gathers you into His arms and tells you He has been searching for you. He holds you close, as a loving father does. You are safe. Look into His eyes and tell him everything you have been through. Let Him hold you so close you can hear His beating Heart. Let Jesus console you and carry you home to the safety of His fold. You are not alone. Rest with Jesus.

The Lord is my Shepherd. There is nothing I shall want. Psalm 23:1

Today is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Let us pray for vocations to our Mother Mary.

Mary, Most Holy, as a young woman living in obscurity, you nurtured with loving care, the Word of God made flesh. Please protect and accompany all young men and women to a vocation to the priesthood, consecrated life or marriage. Amen.

Today is also Good Shepherd Sunday.  It is a day to remember and pray for our beloved priests. I have been blessed to know so many beautiful priests, good shepherds. 

There is one priest I want to remember in a special way today. His name is Fr. Greg Staab, OMV (Oblate of the Virgin Mary). Jesus called him to his eternal home on March 1, 2018. Fr. Greg lived his life "all for Jesus through Mary" and he taught others to consecrate their lives to Jesus through Mary. He had a burning love for the Divine Mercy of Jesus. 

Fr. Greg was in hospital or rehabs for more than three years with a very rare disease, but his priestly ministry continued from his hospital bed. There was a constant flow of visitors to see Fr. Greg: priests, seminarians, sisters, friends, hospital patients and hospital workers. For as long as he was able, he celebrated Mass followed by a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration from his hospital bed every day. He inspired me and others with his deep love for the Eucharist and for Mary, our Immaculate Mother, his love for prayer and for the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, his devotion to Saint Therese of Lisieux and Saint Faustina and to the Divine Mercy of God in Jesus Christ who bestows upon us unimaginable graces when we approach the Fount of His mercy.

Immaculate Mary, Mother of God and Mother of Priests, pray for all our good shepherds like Fr. Greg. Keep them under your protective mantle of love and pray for vocations to the priesthood, the consecrated life and marriage from our families, our parishes and our Church.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations