What a splendid truth this is, that the Lord Jesus Christ, who was divinely conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary, who was born in humility in Bethlehem, who walked in this world teaching and healing and working miracles, and who was betrayed, who was given over to be nailed to the cross, and who was buried in the grave, who rose on the third day, who founded the Holy Catholic Church by His own divine Will, and who gives us the Holy Spirit – is none other than Almighty God Himself, the Creator of all things.
What a loving God He is, who has revealed Himself to us in this way, that the Lamb of sacrifice is also the Shepherd who leads us as His own flock. He “knows His sheep, and is known by them.” He not only leads His flock, but He gives Himself as Food for the journey. And in giving us Himself, He gives us everything we need, both for body and soul – grace sufficient for every need; strength in every temptation; guidance when we’re confused; comfort when we’re bereaved; companionship when we’re lonely; consolation when we’re suffering. And even in death itself, we need fear no evil, because He is there to be our Life, to bring us through that dark valley, so that we may dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.
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Painting: “Jesus and the Lost Sheep”
by Charles Bosseron Chambers (1883-1964)