2025/05/11 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Fourth Sunday of Easter
- Nicole Zenner, Chief of Staff & Strategy
Today’s Gospel brings us one of the most beloved images in all of Scripture: Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Now we may be farther removed from shepherds in 2025, but I still find this image to be quite comforting. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:27-28). These simple yet profound words remind us that we are deeply known, lovingly led, and forever held in the hands of our Savior. Take some time this weekend to let that set in. YOU are deeply known. YOU are lovingly led. YOU are forever held in the hands of our Savior.
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we celebrate not only the tenderness of Christ, but also His strength — the assurance that nothing and no one can snatch us away from Him. This is a love that is both gentle and fierce, tender yet mighty. It is a love that mirrors, in many ways, the love we honor today on Mother’s Day. A mother’s love often embodies these very qualities: tender care, fierce protection, patient guidance.
When I think of a shepherd’s care, I can’t help but think of my own mother, Mama Z. Her patient guidance, her unwavering support during my struggles, and her deep faith formed the foundation of my own. She has shown me what it means to be led by the voice of the Good Shepherd — not just in words, but in how she lives.
The Book of Revelation deepens this shepherd imagery by presenting Jesus as both the Lamb and the Shepherd. “For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17). Our Shepherd does not stand far off; He walks with us, bearing our wounds, wiping our tears, leading us home. Mothers, too, often walk with us in this same spirit, guiding us through life’s valleys, offering comfort, encouragement, and hope.
In Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas preaching with courage, even when they face rejection. Their faithfulness reminds us that the Shepherd's call is not always easy to follow — but it is always worth it. Likewise, many mothers live out their vocation with perseverance, steadfast even through trials, modeling for us what it means to walk by faith and not by sight.
This Good Shepherd Sunday invites us to listen attentively for the voice of Jesus — the voice that calls us by name, the voice that leads us to life. It reminds us that we are never alone. Whether we find ourselves in green pastures or dark valleys, the Shepherd is there. And today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, we honor, celebrate, and give thanks for those who have reflected the Shepherd’s love to us — biological mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, spiritual mothers, and mentors.
May we take comfort in the arms of the Good Shepherd. May we be attentive to His voice. And may we go forth to echo His love in the world — with courage, tenderness, and joy.