NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY by Mary Coloe PBVM

The imagery of shepherd, sheep and gate of the sheepfold suggests a close, almost familial, relationship that is lost outside its Middle Eastern context. Even today, on the hillsides of Judea one can see a Bedouin boy, or perhaps an old man, leading his small flock numbering between three and ten sheep. The shepherd walks in front, guiding the flock along the craggy paths seeking whatever grass there may be. In a country such as Israel, where arable land is scarce, fenced paddocks are used for crops not for mobs of grazing sheep. Sheep wander on the hillsides foraging where they can and the shepherd must keep an eye out for danger, and to prevent any from straying. When a lamb is born it could be named according to its physical features, or other characteristics – ‘snowy’, ‘hungry’, ‘scamp.’ A village might have a communal sheepfold protected by one gatekeeper. In the morning each shepherd would call out his sheep, by voice, or using a pipe. The sheep would recognise the sound and follow their shepherd. In the summer, temporary shelters could be made outside the village using briars and stones. This type of shelter has no door so the shepherd would sleep across the doorway, acting as the door protecting his flock.

Year 9 Encounter Day - Healing the World

Friday 5 May

Year 9 have an opportunity next Friday, to listen to presentations from various Catholic organisations such as Marist 180, Caritas, and St Vincent de Paul and how their activities are helping the communities.

The students will be wearing sports uniforms and be provided recess. However, they will need to bring their lunch, a water bottle, a pen, a small bag, and no computer.

They will commence their day with a Year mass, rotate through the guest presentations then move back to discuss how they can assist these organisations.