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     After several days of reflection on "the bread of life" discourse, we get a complete change of imagery while still remaining in the Gospel of John.  Liturgical tradition has given this Sunday the title, "Good Shepherd Sunday."  The title is taken from the gospel passage which divides up Jesus' discourse in John 10 and takes different pieces of it over the three-year cycle!  As always, I recommend reading the entire passage about the "Good Shepherd" [John 10:1-19] so that today's portion makes a bit more sense. [We could easily call the day, "Good Gatekeeper" Sunday!] In addition, reading Ezekiel 34:1-24 and Psalm 23 ["The Lord is my shepherd] will provide some Old Testament background. The "pastoral" image is viewed from several different angles, including the gate, the gatekeeper, the shepherd and the sheep!  There is a "big picture" purpose to the whole discourse, however.  

     The "big picture" concerns Jesus' escalating tensions with the religious authorities which is part of the overall dramatic tension of the gospel.  The authorities are shown to be untrustworthy gates, gatekeepers and shepherds.  The role is not simply a picturesque use of common imagery from Jesus' time.  Its meaning remains in our church in the imagery of the pastor, whether it be bishop, priest, deacon or any other church leader!  A bishop is handed a "crozier" [shepherd's crook] at his ordination as a sign of his ministry!  The interpretation of this role remains a difficult task since some see it in an authoritarian light and others in a "serving/guiding" light.  Even though I no longer "lead" a congregation as a pastor, but serve as one who comes to assist through my preaching, I am very much aware of the importance of this assistance so that I do not become like one of the "robbers or hirelings" that Jesus speaks of.  In my role as prior of my Dominican community, I do have a more direct responsbility which also comes under Jesus' scrutiny!    It is crucial to recognize the "interdependence" that is present here.  If there are no sheep, there is no life for the shepherd.  If there is no shepherd, the sheep are endangered.  The power of the discourse on the "Good Shepherd" calls us to a deep reflection on the role of pastor and how this can mean "more abundant life" for us all.    AMEN