http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/050320.cfm
I quote:
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
unquote
Shepherd is used often throughout Holy Scripture to illustrate the caring, and protective role of the one who guides, and leads the faithful person through life's journey of self exploration. Metaphor provides the reader with the awareness that shepherd, and sheep make a natural pairing not because of the perceived dumbness of sheep, rather that sheep can be easily led astray by life's self serving temptations, thus are better served by The Good Shepherd leading them out of harm's way, placing them on a road that will fulfil their purpose for being alive.
None are so empty as those who are full of themselves. ~ Benjamin Whichcote
Self emptying is also known as sacrifice of our ambitions,
enabling the divine mystery to nourish us with all that we need;
rather than that which we want.
Want has a well rehearsed track record providing its slave with all the baubles, and bangles that glitter to attract the gullible, believing that they have achieved success with all that tantalises them into a false sense of security.
It has always seemed strange to me… the things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling, are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest, are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second. ~ John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck's novels illustrate in graphic detail how easy it is for every human person to be led astray by the allure of easy money procured by methods that abuse ones self respect, leading the lost sheep down lonely alleyways, along mean streets into a dead end.
Our personal liberty can only be realised by by the guidance of The Good Shepherd, never by the compulsions of desire fed by self destructive habits. Following the leadership of the ego leads to bondage; whereas, accepting the loving protection of The Liberator, provides us with emancipation from our delusions of self grandeur.
end
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