ACTS 20:28-38; PSALM 68; JOHN 17:11-19
Both readings today present us with farewell speeches of St.Paul and Jesus Christ respectively. Paul admonished the Ephesians to remain steadfast as he departs. Speaking to the shepherds, he said; “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.” Therefore, “Be on guard for yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” Shepherds must first and foremost be on guard for their own spiritual lives. This does not suggest selfishness, rather, Paul commands the shepherd to guard himself for the good of the sheep.
Similarly, he told Timothy in
1 Timothy 4:16 “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” They cannot shepherd the flock if they are not disciplined. Paul prepares the mind of these shepherds because of the wolves. These wolves are both within and without. We too must be on our guard, the wolves are still looking for those to devour. Some are inside the church, some are outside. Precisely because of this, Jesus at his departure prayed for disciples in the gospel reading. He prayed for their unity, consecration and deliverance from evil.
Today the Church gives us the example of St. Justin the Martyr. As a shepherd he was particularly celebrated for the two Apologies which he addressed to the persecuting emperors Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius. He courageously stood against the might of these emperors, defended the faith and was beheaded in Rome.
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy and save us from deception and errors. Protect us from the wolves of our days. Keep all shepherds safe in your care and deliver us from evil. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
