What does a shepherd have in common with a king? Very little, it would seem. One is a poor, solitary countryside herdsman, and the other a powerful national ruler. These occupations come together, however, in two of the greatest figures in the Bible. First, there is David, the humble shepherd who was plucked from his sheepfold and anointed as king over Israel. Then there is Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords, who called himself “the good shepherd” (John 10:11).

Today we celebrate Jesus as King enthroned at the right hand of the Father. We also look forward to his ultimate glorification after the Last Judgment. At that time, people from every nation under heaven will acknowledge his sovereignty and rejoice in his power. The whole world will be silent before his judgment, and he will judge all of us with divine justice.

Yet even in his role as king, Jesus tends his flock as a shepherd (Matthew 25:40). This is just what God promised ages earlier: “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep” (Ezekiel 34:15). As a compassionate shepherd-king, Jesus doesn’t want to see his sheep left in need. He himself wants to bind up our wounds and lead us gently to his home.

Jesus’ roles as a king and a shepherd are not contradictions or mutually exclusive. They are really one and the same thing! Jesus is king precisely because he rules with compassion. It is his very compassion and mercy that make him ruler of all creation. So what else can we do but bow down before Jesus in humble worship? What else can we do but follow as he leads us with his rod and his staff? Let us gratefully declare with David, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”!

“Jesus, I adore you as my king! I am thankful that you protect me, care for me, and hear me when I call to you. Grant me your goodness and mercy all the days of my life. May I dwell with you in your kingdom forever!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    In the first reading, God describes himself as a shepherd watching over us, his flock. He also promises to rescue the scattered, seek the lost, bring back the strayed, bind up the injured, and heal the sick. While less and less of us today can relate to this pastoral metaphor, we can nevertheless still be touched by the degree of care expressed by God toward us. As the shepherd of your family, how would you describe your role? In what way is it to mirror God’s care for you?

 

2.    In the second reading, St. Paul describes Christ as risen and reigning. What specific steps could you take to increase Christ's reign in your heart, in your family, or where you work?

 

3.    In the Gospel, Christ lets us know exactly the things that are of interest to him at his second coming. Of course, we all want to be the sheep on his right and not the goats on his left. We all want to hear these words from Jesus, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Which two of the actions he describes for the sheep on his right are you willing to commit to in the upcoming weeks, and perhaps as Advent and Christmas promises?

 

4.    In the meditation, we examine the relationship between Christ as King and Christ as Good Shepherd. In what way are these related in the person of Jesus Christ? Which one speaks to you the most, and why?

 

5.    Like David in the psalm, we pray regularly "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." In what way can you as brothers in Christ share more deeply your concerns and "wants" with each other? In particular, what are areas of your lives that you can support one another in prayer? Begin by ending your meeting with these prayers.