Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is the only one we follow, the only one we can trust blindly.
Others who have authority in our lives might be good shepherds, but none of them are to be followed blindly, not even the best of them. We respect the positions of bishops, parish pastors, employers, teachers, parents, etc., but all make mistakes, all sin, all have incomplete understandings of the situations for which they're responsible. We must use the Holy Spirit's gift of discernment in each case so that we don't behave like dumb sheep inadvertently cooperating with decisions that grieve our Father God.
Only Jesus can be blindly trusted. Only Jesus is perfect and knows all, understands all, and never sins. Only Jesus can successfully make the right decisions all the time and lead us through the various situations of life without inadvertently cooperating with evil. Only Jesus can discern and implement a plan that's best for every person who's affected by the plan. Only Jesus can lead us closer and closer to heaven while guiding us through the pitfalls and dangers of the journey.
And it is only Jesus who can smile at our blunders when we stray from his plans, because he knows that we still really do love him and want to do what's right. He knows how to implement a new plan that will steer us back into safe pastures. He compassionately holds onto us so that we don't wriggle away from the Father's hand forever.
Whenever we distrust anyone -- ourselves, included -- we can safely trust that no matter what happens, Jesus is always there, steadfastly guiding us and re-guiding us after we stray. Because we really do love him and want to do what's right, he is securing our safety, redeeming our mistakes, making good come from bad when we repent of our sins, and of course always making sure that we'll get home to heaven.
To be good sheep, all we have to do is cooperate with his guidance!
Questions for Personal Reflection:
How much do you trust yourself and your discernment of truth and your ability to stay on the path to heaven? Who else is difficult to trust right now? What will you do this week to entrust these matters to Jesus?
Questions for Family & Community Faith Sharing:
When is it difficult to trust Jesus? Why is it so difficult? Considering that past experiences with imperfect humans naturally causes us to distrust even Jesus, what helps you overcome this so that you can trust God more?
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