SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD

 Divine Appeal Reflection - 229

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 229:  "Sheep with no guide, with no shepherd, to whom would you go if I were not here."

Our Adorable Jesus looks upon His scattered flock, longing to gather them in His embrace. A layperson, caught in the distractions of daily life, neglects prayer, unknowingly drifting further from grace. A priest, overwhelmed by parish demands, rushes through the Divine Office, missing the depth of communion with God. A consecrated soul, once fervent in her vocation, gradually compromises small sacrifices, allowing tepidity to creep in. Without their Shepherd at the center, souls wander aimlessly, vulnerable to the enemy’s snares (cf. Jn 10:11). Yet, Jesus calls each heart to return to Him, just as He called St. Francis of Assisi from a life of vanity to one of radical love and poverty (cf. CCC 30).

In daily life, souls often live as lost sheep without realizing it. A family, once devoted to evening prayers, replaces sacred time with television, slowly dimming the flame of faith. A priest, afraid of offending, avoids preaching about difficult moral truths, prioritizing human respect over divine truth. A consecrated soul, once eager for penance, grows attached to comforts, gradually losing the spirit of self-sacrifice. St. Francis de Sales, amid his mission to convert souls in a Calvinist region, did not despair when rejected but persevered with gentleness, prayer, and tireless effort, showing that true shepherds never abandon their flock (cf. Ps 46:10).

Our Adorable Jesus does not leave His sheep abandoned but constantly calls them back. A layperson, feeling an emptiness in worldly pleasures, finds peace upon kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament, realizing how long Jesus had been waiting. A fatigued priest resolves to emulate St. John Bosco, who combined tough work with deep prayer, resulting in extraordinary vitality from Jesus. A consecrated soul, seeing her growing lukewarmness, follows in the footsteps of St. Clare of Assisi, who chose radical poverty and a love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, reigniting her early love. The Shepherd never abandons His sheep, but they must answer to His call through prayer, penance, and firm faith (cf. Jn 10:27; CCC 1435).

The lost souls of the world are crying out for guidance, yet too many remain silent. A layperson hears a coworker express despair but hesitates to speak of Christ. A priest witnesses irreverence in the liturgy but does not correct it, fearing backlash. A consecrated soul watches her sisters slip into spiritual mediocrity, praying yet withholding the loving correction that could rekindle their fervor. Silence allows lukewarmness to spread. In contrast, St. Padre Pio, despite relentless trials, never wavered—offering his very life in confession, prayer, and sacrifice to awaken souls to grace. The Good Shepherd works through those who listen to Him. Every bold witness, hidden sacrifice, and fervent prayer can lead a lost soul home. If we truly belong to our Adorable Jesus, we cannot remain indifferent while others stray (cf. Mt 5:16).

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, You are the Shepherd who never ceases to seek Your lost sheep. Keep us close to Your Heart, guard us against distractions, and use us as instruments of Your saving love. Strengthen priests, consecrated souls, and all the faithful to guide others back to You. In Your mercy, lead us always.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.