Daily reflection _ security of the good shepherd

SECURITY OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
"By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes" (Ps. 118:23).
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
Do you know the peace and security of the Good Shepherd Who watches over His sheep? Jesus Christ made three promises to His followers. First, He promised everlasting life if we accept and follow Him. It is then that we will have the life of God in us. Second, Jesus promised a life that would have no end. Death would not be the end but, rather, the beginning. Third, Jesus promised a life that was secure. He said that nothing would snatch us out of His hand, not even sorrow and death, since He is everlasting life itself. Our souls are safe in His hands.
Today the Church asks us to pray in a particular way on this "World Day of Prayer of Vocations." It is a powerful thing for many people praying together to realize our heavenly Father's desires for us in this world. It is also a day of prayer for religious vocations, bringing to the Church's attention the joys of a life dedicated to prayer and service as priests, deacons, and religious. I read in one of our commentaries that a religious vocation is a devotion to God and others. The faithful find deep personal satisfaction on a faith journey shared with others. I want to quote St. Teresa of Avila who said in the sixteenth century, "God gave me such great happiness at being in the religious state of life that it never left me up to this day." It brings us great joy to respond to what God calls us to do.  Making a choice and commitment to Him is something we all need to consider in whatever vocation we are called to. Then do it well!
In the Responsorial Psalm we acclaim, "By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes"(Ps. 118:23). "A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (Jn. 10:11).