In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish (Mt. 18:14).
Shepherding during Jesus’ time in Judaea was a hard and dangerous task.
Pastures were scary with thorny scrub jungles with wild animals posing
constant threats to the wandering sheep. The shepherds were very dedicated and sacrificial in their shepherding with perpetual vigilance, and readiness for action. If any sheep were missing the shepherd would go in search of it. The family and village would be waiting for the return of the shepherd with the lost sheep and would receive him with shouts of joy and of thanksgiving.
In these advent days we are preparing to have a deep experience of the mystery of Incarnation in the heart. It reminds us of God going in search of the lost sheep (sinful humanity) and becoming like a shepherd (Jesus-God in humanity) to save them from the clutches of wolves (sin). Mystery of Incarnation resembles the searching of God the great shepherd for humanity which strayed by sin. It is the manifestation of God’s will that no human being should be lost. Amen.
Fr. Jerry Vallomkunnel MCBS