We are in the “Good Shepherd Season” of the Church year. Often we read about sheep going through gates, grazing in pastures, hearing the voice of the leader, even following the shepherd. Homilists instruct us to be like sheep. Pope Francis exhorted us to smell like sheep. Too often, though (at least it seems so to me), we miss the obvious. If we are disciples of Christ, we need to imitate the Good Shepherd. Our roles are both shepherd and sheep.

How can we be shepherds imitating that Good Shepherd? In our homes how do we make entering our homes a comfortable experience? Is everyone happy to be home? Do guests feel it’s a great place to be? Are our homes safe from criticism, unkind words, meanness? Considering ourselves gatekeepers, do we feel responsible for cleanliness, order, upkeep? Are there little things we can do to be welcoming to spouses, children, neighbors, anyone who comes to our doors? We can ask ourselves these same questions about our places of employment, our car, the space or aura surrounding me wherever I am.

The sheepfold and gate account in John’s gospel ends with these words of Jesus: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” How life-giving am I to those in my circle, my sheepfold?