As I was about to go out walking the other day, I grabbed my keys and saw that attached to them is a metal copy of the pectoral cross that the late Pope Francis chose for himself, that of Jesus the Good Shepherd, carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders and surrounded by the rest of the flock. Additionally, the Holy Spirit hovers over the scene.

In Evangelii Gaudium, ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ Pope Francis reminds us of our call to be missionary disciples and that when ‘Evangelisers take on the “smell of the sheep” the sheep are willing to hear their voice.’ (EG, 24) We are meant to be both the shepherd and the sheep. Parents, teachers, mentors, friends, sages even strangers can bring wisdom into our lives, if we are open to listen and learn, but such wisdom is more palatable from those who encourage, support, defend and walk alongside us in our suffering and pain, those who take on ‘our smell.’

Equally, we are called to be open to the action and promptings of the Holy Spirit if we are to discern the Shepherd’s voice amid the noises and clamour that beset us in our day. As sheep we can be stubborn, stuck in our comfortable paddock, unaware of impending danger and oblivious to the needs of others. Being responsive to the Shepherd’s voice demands attentiveness, humility and awareness of others.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, let us give thanks for all those ‘good shepherds’ who take on our smell and walk with us in our journey of faith.

by Mike Humphrys