Following the Good Shepherd's Voice

Allison Gingras shares an excerpt from a reflection published in the Living the Word Catholic Women's Bible, new from Ave Maria Press.

Although we know that Jesus learned carpentry at the knee of Joseph, it seems he also had a soft spot in his heart for shepherds. Maybe Mary had repeated the story to him of the humble group of men who followed the star to the stable in Bethlehem. Or maybe he took after God, his Father, who saw in the role of the shepherd one who protects, provides, and guides. In any case, when Jesus calls himself the “Good Shepherd” in John 10, it is clear that he is calling those who follow him into a special kind of relationship. 

Sheep are not very bright. Sheep possess a strong flocking instinct, which can lead to a failure to act independently of one another, finding themselves in precarious situations. They need someone to be responsible for their welfare and safety. By calling himself the Good Shepherd, Jesus is taking up this challenge, setting himself up as the spiritual protector, provider, and caretaker.

Like his Father, who promised to safeguard his flock from false shepherds and predators, Jesus recognizes that in fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah, he himself will become that True Shepherd—seeking the lost, returning the stray, and binding up the weak and broken (see Ezekiel 34:16). Above all, as the Good Shepherd, he will safeguard the gate, alert for predators and thieves who would steal those who wander away, as St. Peter warns in his first epistle:

Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. (1 Peter 5:8, RSV2CE)

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By calling himself the Good Shepherd, Jesus is setting himself up as the spiritual protector, provider, and caretaker. #catholicmom

What makes the new Living the Word Catholic Women's Bible different from other Bibles for women? It includes almost 400 pages of special features created for women by women—more than 40 scholars, teachers, religious, authors, ministers, and speakers—such as Leah Darrow, Sarah Christmyer, Johnnette Benkovic Williams, and Sr. Maria Kim-Ngân Bùi, FSP—who come from a variety of backgrounds and reflect the diversity of the Catholic faith. Nine of these writers have a connection to Catholic Mom and have been sharing their gifts with our readers for quite some time.

The stunning beauty of the hardcover Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible also makes it stand out among its peers. The extraordinary and elegant design enhances the reading experience by connecting various features throughout the text including 50 profiles of women in the Bible, 97 Living in the Light of Faith essays, and questions for reflection and journaling.

Purchase your copy of the Living the Word Catholic Women's Bible at a special price: only $59.95 with FREE shipping when you use coupon code CMBIBLE23 at checkout at AveMariaPress.com. This code is good through March 31, 2023.

To learn more about the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible, visit AveMariaPress.com/living-the-word. You can also join the Living the Word Bible community on Instagram @livingthewordbible and listen to the new Living the Word Bible Podcast with host Sarah Christmyer wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Sarah Christmyer, editor of the Living the Word Catholic Women's Bible, appeared on a recent episode of the Catholic Momcast. 

Copyright 2023 Allison Gingras
Images: Ave Maria Press
This excerpt from the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.