Thieves And Robbers

Fourth Sunday of Easter; John 10:1-10

The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy.

Embracing the Shepherd's Voice

When our boys were young, going to church as a family was not optional. They didn’t resist too much because they had plenty of friends there. They sat through Mass obediently, just waiting for it to end. Their "Thanks be to God!" at the end of Mass was always heartfelt. They would quickly dash to the social hall for their donut and juice while we, the parents, chatted in the back of the church. We didn’t worry too much about them because we were well-known, and everyone in the parish knew our three boys were with us. We often reminded them that they couldn’t get away with anything; we would hear about it from someone.

One Sunday, the sugar from the donuts must have kicked in hard. The kids—ours and others—were running through the church. This was, of course, unacceptable, and they knew it. But peer pressure and energy had overridden their common sense. They were racing down a side aisle, and I was standing in the center aisle. That’s why we have parents. I looked over, saw the behavior, and reacted instantly. I snapped my fingers. I’ve never created a louder crack with my fingers. It literally reverberated throughout the church. Our boys knew exactly who had snapped his fingers and came to a screeching halt. In fact, they stopped so fast that it was rather comical.

The Reality of Sheep and Shepherds

In this Gospel, we might envision a serene setting. Picture a herd of fluffy, white sheep gently gazing in a meadow, watched over by a kindly shepherd. There’s a lovely wooden gate with a gatekeeper, and hiding in the bushes are some troublesome thieves. We’ve been taught that Jesus is the gate and that the sheep must pass through it to understand God’s love.

However, the reality of sheep and a shepherd is starkly different. Sheep can be stubborn and often try to find ways to be obstinate. They are wanderers by nature. Even in the best and safest places—those that provide protection, water, and food—sheep are known to wander off, get lost, and sometimes fall prey to predators. They are followers, too. There was a report of a flock of 1,500 sheep that followed the lead sheep and leapt off a cliff to their death. Sheep are cute and lovely, but they need to be led.

And then there are the shepherds. In the 1st Century, shepherds lived in the fields with the flock. They could be away from home for months at a time. As a result, shepherds often appeared quite dirty. Pope Francis told priests in 2021 that they need to be "shepherds with 'the smell of the sheep.'" While that may sound gross, it illustrates that the sheep understand their shepherd loves them so much that he even smells like them.

The Call to Discernment

Jesus teaches his followers—and us today—that we are like sheep. (There’s a part of me that feels a little insulted, but we’ll let that go.) The deeper lesson is this: not everyone who claims to guide us can be trusted. Some present themselves as shepherds but are, in truth, imposters. In Jesus’ day, he pointed to corrupt leaders and religious authorities who abused their power, calling them "thieves" and "robbers." That reality has not disappeared. Today, we encounter voices that distract and mislead, drawing us away from peace. Political figures sow division, even manipulating faith to do so. Social media often pulls us toward anxiety, resentment, and empty pursuits. The presence of these "thieves and robbers" is still very real.

Sheep may be smelly, but they are not stupid. Far from it. They recognize the voice and face of their shepherd. They know who a stranger is. If I am one of Jesus’ flock, I know his voice and his face. I know what is true and what is misleading or false. There will always be those who use scripture to justify their ways, but that does not mean they are a Good Shepherd.

Speaking Up in Love

In my day-to-day life, I often encounter opportunities to discuss current events. The "herd mentality" of sheep drives many to just follow and accept. While I probably won’t snap my fingers, I do need to speak up. Jesus offers another alternative to avoid the thieves and robbers. It’s called love. As one of Jesus’ flock, I am called to love, to forgive, and to show mercy every day.

In a world filled with distractions and misleading voices, I find comfort in knowing that I can always return to the Good Shepherd. His voice guides me through the chaos. It reminds me to seek truth and to stand firm in my faith. The journey may not always be easy, but it is one worth taking.

Conclusion: Finding Community in Faith

As I reflect on these lessons, I realize how important it is to foster a community grounded in faith. We can support one another in recognizing the Good Shepherd's voice. Together, we can navigate the challenges of our time, encouraging each other to love and forgive.

Let us remember that we are not alone in this journey. We have each other and the guiding presence of the Good Shepherd. May we always strive to be vigilant, discerning, and loving as we walk together in faith.

© 2026 by Timothy J. Doppel

All Rights Reserved