427 part ii: meditations for more solemn feasts many created things; and in ruling and governing all mankind by the Divine Spirit; and in feeding the flock as the Good Shepherd. How many special proofs of His goodness did He show to you, the lost sheep! First of all, as you were wandering through the devious paths of the world, He brought you into the sheepfold of the religious life through a holy vocation. Then, how gently, sweetly, and safely He guides you in this sheepfold; either through the laws of the Constitutions, or through the commands of the Superiors, or through His inspirations! At last, He provides for you the best pastures (apart from those concerned with the body). Do you not experience this today also? When He invites you to His table and urges you not to be afraid to approach it, He says, so that you would advance more eagerly: “I am the [G]ood [S]hepherd.” 2. “[G]ood [S]hepherd” (Jn 10:11). Oh, my soul! How can you hesitate or fear to approach your Jesus because of the outrages you committed? For you hear that He clearly acknowledges being the Good Shepherd; and He does not avoid you, for He gave His life for you, the lost sheep. Run, run to this Good Shepherd, who will heal the pain of your conscience. He will remove all internal diseases, whether of imperfections, or anxieties, or of whatever misfortunes. If you feel dejected because of your weaknesses, He is so much more concerned about the method and means by which He might speedily cure them. He cares about your healing much more than you could expect or think. Therefore, with shouts and groans already known to Him, hasten swiftly to your Shepherd, because He has waited for you with longing and expectation. 3. “lays down [H]is life for [H]is sheep” (Jn 10:11). Your Savior, the best Shepherd, gave His life and expired for you. He did it for this reason especially; that you, being redeemed, would not refuse to sacrifice your life for Him and for your neighbor. For He expects this from you when He says: “Look and make them according to the pattern, that was shown you on the mountain” (cf. Ex 25:40). Which mountain? On Golgotha. What
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