A Love Like No Other

The first year of a baby’s life is so much about learning and adjusting. While parents are learning to distinguish their babies’ cries in order to respond accordingly, babies are learning about their new world through their senses. Studies show that the maternal voice is audible in utero so an infant will recognize mom’s voice after birth. I am witnessing this right now with my three-week-old granddaughter who knows her mother’s voice, touch, scent and responds to her very presence. The comfort and peace a parent’s presence can bring a child is beautiful.

This deep intimacy between a parent and child reminds me of today’s gospel and the intimacy shared between the Good Shepherd and his flock. Perhaps this is why I am so drawn to the image of God as shepherd.

Jesus did not come to be a powerful political or military figure, nor to control or enslave us. He came as our Good Shepherd to care and provide for us, to lead us in this life, and to bring us home to eternal pastures. Our Good Shepherd Jesus knows us intimately and calls each of us by name. When we stray or become lost, Jesus searches for us and tenderly carries us back on his shoulders. He guides us ever so gently to what is right and good for us.

Today’s readings are a good reminder that in the depths of our
being, we know God’s presence, guiding, and voice. I encourage
you to take this image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd to prayer this week. To imagine how Jesus looks at you. To imagine him seeking you out when you are lost. To imagine his joy in finding you, picking you up and placing you on his shoulders. To imagine the sense of comfort and peace Jesus’ presence brings. To imagine God’s love for you.

I think this image of God as shepherd became more profound for me when my grandchildren were born. Grandparenthood is all the best parts of parenting with none of the overwhelming responsibility. As a nana, I am experiencing a new kind of love with my grandchildren. One day as I was rocking my first grandchild, I had the profound realization that the love I have for this tiny human is the closest I had ever come to deeply knowing God’s love for us.

Just imagine if we bring this gentler, kinder, more compassionate
love to ourselves and to all those we meet.
Siempre Adelante,
​

Teresa Runyon
​Pastoral Associate 

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