Good Shepherd Sunday
Acts 2:14,36-41
1 Pet 2:20-25
Jn 10:1-10
“I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.”
I will always remember this verse. It was at one of the retreats that I attended when I was serving at St Anne’s Church in the early 2000’s where the Parish Priest at that time, Fr Richards, told us that all of us should read the bible, find a gospel verse that resonates with us and live and remember it always. He shared that one of his favorite verses is Jn 10:10.
I, too, have always felt that this particular verse also seems to speak to me on many levels. It has also become one of my favourite verses and especially relevant in this Eastertide, when we have just celebrated the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. This same Jesus who was sent into the world to free us from the chains of sin, because our Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants to be with us always.
What does having a full life mean to us? Does it mean that we have all the trappings of material wealth? Does it mean that we are free from worry and stress. Does it even mean that having a full life means that we do not suffer from illnesses? I believe that having a full life means that we can take everything that comes our way with our chins up, because I know that God will not put us in a situation that He has not prepared us for.
I also believe that having a full life is when we can be of service to others. I have always enjoyed helping people, whenever I see tourists on the street looking at their phones, or some people along the trails of Macritchie reservoir, peering at the map, I will stop and ask if they need some help. My wife has labelled me ‘kaypoh’ or a busybody, but I sincerely want to help these ‘lost souls’. It just gives me joy.
Even in work situations, I truly find it rewarding to guide and mentor those around me, should they want it. Perhaps it’s from my family of origin, where three of my aunts were teachers, that I take enjoyment from guiding others. At one time, I even contemplated being a PE teacher…well, also because I could wear tee-shirts and shorts all day.
As in everything, Jesus shows the way when He said, “He who wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” – Mk 10:43-44.
This is something that I try to incorporate into my work, especially in my current workplace where we are all called to serve and to help guide each other. I struggle with this a lot, as I know that patience and humility are not my strongest suits. But knowing that I have Jesus in my heart, that He is always making space for us and always reminding us that it is only through Him that we will have peace, the peace that the world cannot give. And with that peace, I know that He has come to give me life and for me to live it to the full.
Thank you, Jesus.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Calvin Wee)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have shown us how to live our lives to the full. We know that without You, our lives will be filled with emptiness, sorrow and pain. Grant us, Lord Jesus, hearts filled with love for You, to always trust in you and to let you lead us in all we do. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there for us. Thank you, Father, for your blessings. Grant us humility in our hearts as we follow the example of our Lord Jesus, that in serving others, we serve with the heart of a servant. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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