The
Good Shepherd
 St. Mary Euphrasia believed that God was
like a compassionate Shepherd. She devoted her life to bringing
all whom she encountered into the knowledge of God's loving mercy.
She asked, "What are we doing in this world, and why are we
here, if not to help our neighbors?" She also
taught that each person should be treated with dignity.
Here
are some words from her instructions to her novices:
"It seems that Our Lord had a particular
affection for the sweet name of Shepherd: the princes of Israel
were called Shepherds, and he chose as his first adorers not only
the poor, but poor shepherds. The reason? Their way of treating
their flocks expressed better than any other symbolic figure the
tenderness and concern of this God who is so loving towards his
dear sheep.
How, in fact does a good shepherd act? He who
forgets himself, often has to endure hunger and thirst. He is
crushed by fatigue and difficulties – no matter! He is happy if
his sheep do not suffer and if he finds any who are lost. What
trouble he takes to lead his flock to good pastures! In summer he
seeks out places where there is water and shade; in winter he
leads them to where the cold is less biting and the grass more
abundant. If he notices poisonous plants near the little lambs he
hastens to pull them up. Day and night he’s on guard against
wolves – he never completely relaxes.
Now you can see what to do for our young people,
for the children God has entrusted to you. Watch over them
carefully, noticing their needs of mind and body and prudently
leading them to spiritual pastures suitable to each one’s
state."
St.
Mary Euphrasia was influenced in her thinking by the writings of
St. Jean Eudes, who composed the following reflection:
What
is the duty of a Shepherd?
to
strengthen what is weak,
to
bind up what is broken,
to
bring back what was driven away,
to
preserve what is well and strong.
A
true shepherd should be a burning and shining light
burning
interiorly and shining exteriorly,
a
light to others in action.
To
shine only exteriorly is vanity.
To
burn solely within is something,
but
it is not enough for a shepherd of souls.
To
be shining and burning is holiness.
St John Eudes
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