Wednesday, April 17 : Saint Thomas Aquinas

Jesus has said: “I am the good shepherd.” It is clear that the title “shepherd” is applicable to Christ. For just as shepherds pasture their flocks so Christ revives the faithful with spiritual food, his own Body and Blood. To distinguish himself from the bad shepherd and thief Jesus specifies that he is the “good shepherd”. Good, because he defends his flock with the devotion of a good soldier for his country. On the other hand, Christ has said that the shepherd goes in by the door and that he himself is that door. So when he here calls himself the shepherd we have to understand that it is he who goes in through himself. And this is indeed true since he makes it clear that he knows the Father through himself whereas we have to go in through him, and it is he who gives us blessedness. Let us take good note that no one else but he is the door for no one else is light except by participation. John the Baptist “was not the light, but he came to bear witness to the light” (Jn 1,18). It was Christ himself who “was the light that enlightens everyone” (v.9). Therefore no one can call himself the door since Christ has kept this title for himself. However, he has handed on the title of shepherd to others and has granted it to some of his members. Indeed, Peter was one, too, and the other apostles, as well as all bishops. Jeremiah says: “I will give you shepherds according to my own heart” (3,15). And although the leaders of the Church – who are their descendents – are all shepherds, Christ says: “I am the good shepherd” to show us the unique force of his love. No shepherd is good who is not united through love with Christ, thus becoming a member of the true shepherd.

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team