One of the most uplifting phrases in the Gospel that strengthens my faith is: “I have come that they may have life.” This promise assures me that He guides me toward experiencing a full, abundant, and joyful life—much more than mere existence. The concept of “life” unites all of Scripture, echoing the plea found in the Psalms: let me live! Let me walk through the fields of life!
The word “life” highlights the significant difference between the shepherd and the thief. The shepherd knows each of his sheep by name, demonstrating care and connection. Although it can be difficult to name every sheep in a large flock, the shepherd’s call—often just a single whistle—unites them; this reminds us of the beauty of recognition and the strength of community.
Your journey as a Christian is so different from those around you; Jesus knows each of us personally; he calls us by name. While being part of a group can lead to a loss of individual identity, for Jesus, we are cherished and unique, where our longings find comfort.
He walks ahead of the sheep, a shepherd guiding them with purpose. Standing in front, he opens a path with his staff, lighting the way forward.
Christ is an open door, a breach in the wall, a passage, a transit, a space for the heart through which the breath of the earth and the new heavens come and go. Not one is left behind; we matter because we are loved.