Springs of life-giving water

“For this reason they stand before God’s throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (REV 7: 15-17)

Today we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” There is no way we could go on living were we no longer to hear Him speak (Johan A. Moehler)—ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ, who “leads us to springs of life-giving water.” One of the “springs of life-giving water” is the Theology of the Body, where we can recognize our identity—beloved children of God. And we are invited to serve in this area in so many ways: giving others medicine based on their true dignity, giving them service based on a true relationship (never objects, always persons), and giving them advice based on their challenges rather than on their satisfaction.

“I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.” (Gospel Acclamation)