Only The Good Shepherd Saves

Reflection Date: April 27, 2026 | Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 11:1-18; John 10:11-18

Children of God:
On April 15, 2026, a significant voice from the Church in Asia spoke to a global audience. 

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David, Bishop of Kalookan in the Philippines and Vice President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, wrote an open letter addressed to American Catholics. 

In that letter, he referred to a controversial post by Donald Trump, who shared an AI-generated image portraying himself in a role strikingly reminiscent of a healer or even a savior. 

The image suggested someone who restores, protects, and redeems. 

Cardinal David observed that regardless of intention, the message presented a vision of leadership that bordered on the messianic. 

It raised an important question about how we understand leadership today. 

Is leadership about power, image, and influence? 

Or is it about service and sacrifice? 

The Cardinal then invited the faithful to a different path. 

He said, “I invite you to join Pope Leo XIV and the whole Church in praying and working tirelessly for peace—peace that is rooted not in domination, but in justice; not in fear, but in solidarity; not in power, but in love.” 

This message reminds us that not all who appear strong are truly shepherds. 

It challenges us to discern the kind of leadership we follow and imitate.

In the gospel of John, Jesus described himself as the Good Shepherd who knew his sheep and was willing to lay down his life for them. 

He contrasted himself with hired hands who ran away when danger came. 

His words revealed a kind of leadership grounded not in image but in sacrifice. 

What are our inspirations for today?

First, true leadership is shown through sacrifice, not self-promotion.

Jesus presented himself not as someone seeking recognition but as one willing to give everything for his flock. 

His leadership was defined by love that was ready to suffer for others.

In the gospel of John, Jesus said, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). 

This made it clear that authentic leadership involves self-giving, not self-glorifying.

In our world today, many leaders are measured by popularity, influence, and power. 

But the example of Christ invites us to a different route. 

Whether in family, community, or society, real leadership is seen in service, humility, and the willingness to sacrifice for the good of others.

Second, true shepherds stay and care, even when it is difficult.

Jesus spoke about the hired hand who abandoned the sheep when danger came. 

This revealed that not all who lead are truly committed to those they serve.

In the gospel of John, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me” (John 10:14). 

This showed a deep relationship marked by presence, care, and responsibility.

In our daily lives, this challenges us to examine our own commitments. 

Do we remain faithful in our responsibilities even when it becomes difficult? 

Whether as parents, leaders, or members of the community, we are called to stay, to care, and to remain present, especially in challenging times.

We can reflect on these questions in our hearts. What kind of leadership do I follow and admire in my life? 

Do I choose service over recognition in my own responsibilities? And how can I become a more faithful and caring presence to the people entrusted to me?

Children of God: 
The image of the Good Shepherd invites us to rethink our understanding of leadership. 

It calls us away from the attraction of power and toward the path of sacrifice. 

In Christ, we see a leader who gives rather than takes. 

Not all who appear strong truly care, and not all who promise salvation can give life. 

But Christ remains the one who knows us and stays with us.