For this week’s reflection, I would like to invite you to ponder the Word of God with me using the method of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” What does a shepherd do? I wonder what makes him so good.
The Good Shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because
they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers. Jn. 10: 3b-5
How does the Good Shepherd call his sheep? He calls them by their name. He knows each one of his sheep personally, intimately, even if there are many sheep.
I wonder where he leads them. What do the sheep need?
How does he lead them? I wonder why he goes in front. How do you think the sheep feel when they are with the Good Shepherd?
What do the sheep do when the Good Shepherd calls them? Gradually, they have become accustomed to the voice of their Good Shepherd. They listen to him, and they follow him.
What a beautiful relationship these sheep have with the Good Shepherd!
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jn 10: 10b-11
What does the shepherd want for his sheep? I wonder what an abundant or full life is like. What do the sheep need to have this kind of life?
The Good Shepherd gives his whole life for the sheep – all his time, all his love, all his care.
Do you think Jesus was speaking about the sheep we see in the fields? They are such important sheep; the Good Shepherd gives his very life for them.
Those sheep are so loved and cared for! What would it be like to be one of those sheep?
I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. Jn 10: 14-16
The Good Shepherd is so patient; he never tires of calling and reaching out even to those sheep who are far away, beyond the sheepfold. Slowly, they too will hear his voice and gather together into one great flock.
How much the Good Shepherd cares for his sheep – he leads them, takes them to the best food and water, keeps them safe, leads them back to the sheepfold to be with him… so much love!
The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need... Ps. 23:1
The words of Psalm 23 are the words king David used to speak to God about the wonderful way he cared for him. What are some words you might like to say to your Good Shepherd?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd seeks to meet the deepest needs of the child at each stage of life. For the 3-6-year-old child, the need and capacity for relationship is most prominent. For this reason, the young child is particularly drawn to the image of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who knows them by name and cares for them. Allowing time for the young child to ponder and enjoy this loving relationship with God sets the foundation for a well-ordered, healthy faith life.
Our parish offers this Montessori based method of faith formation for 3–6-year-old children on Saturday mornings. In a retreat-like atmosphere, children experience the essential truths of our faith through the use of special materials designed just for them.
If you are interested in learning more about our program please contact our Coordinator of Religious Education Michelle Coyne at (204) 949-3764 or michelle@st-timothy.ca.