The Sunday of Good Shepherd

The Sunday of Good Shepherd 

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The second Sunday after Easter has the name Misericordias Domini  that is the Mercy of Lord. It is also called the Sunday of  Good Shepherd. When Jesus said " I am the Good Shepherd"  He identifies Himself with God who is addressed in Israel as Shepherd (Ps.23 ). John 10:11 is a revelation of Godhead of Jesus. Napoleon wrote in his last statement : " I know men. There is no man in this world with whom Jesus can be compared. He is God". 

In the Christian art the picture of the Good Shepherd is the oldest presentation of Christ. In the third century we find small drawings of Christ as the Good Shepherd in the catacombs in Rome. He has a lamb on His shoulders. These ancient pictures in a cemetery express the faith that the Good Shepherd takes the soul to Paradise. In the Mausoleum of Empress Galla Placidia in Ravinna (Italy_5th century) the Good Shepherd is shown in a beautiful mosaic. He is sitting elevated, surrounded by His flock. He has a golden dress, golden halo and a golden rod with Cross in His left hand. With His right hand He tenderly touches a lamb. Christ has a flock, the congregation. He cares for all but there is also personal care. Martin Luther writes, "No title of God in the Bible is more wonderful than the title  Shepherd. It is the ministry of the Shepherd not only to keep the sheep in good pastures but also to watch that no one goes astray. If that happens He brings the lost one back. He pays special attention to the young lambs. If you want to be fed, protected and comforted listen carefully to the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow His words. He surely will take care of your body and soul."

-Rev Dr . Eva Maria Siebert Johnson

w/o.Rt.Rev.Dr.Gnanabaranam Johnson,late.

IX Bishop of Tranquebar (TELC).