"I am the Good Shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10: 14 - 15).
The Good Shepherd image is my favorite image of Jesus. I invoke in my prayers always. Jesus is my Good Shepherd. He guides me step-by-step. He provides everything I need. My Good Shepherd protects me moment by moment. When I walk through a neighborhood with unleashed dogs, I do not fear. (Cf Psalm 23).
I enjoy a stable relationship with my Good Shepherd. Jesus is not a fair weather friend. He is not like some automobile insurance companies who are your friend on the condition that you remain accident free. Jesus my Good Shepherd is always there, come what may.
One day, I was very anxious and my Good Shepherd said to me:
"Let Me have all your worries and cares, for I am always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you." (1 Peter 5: 7). I made a list of 4 worries, noted the date and inserted the paper in my Missal. One day, I found the list and scratched all the 4 items.
Like many people, I worry about money from time to time. My Good Shepherd gently reproached me:
"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For I say to you: “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” That is why you can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.” (Cf Hebrews 13: 5 - 6).
One day, I complained to my Good Shepherd: “You have deserted me; the Lord has forgotten me.”
My Good Shepherd answered me:
“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!" (Cf Isaiah 49: 14 - 15). I was reassured.
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