There’s a vivid scene towards the end of the movie, “Titanic.” As the ship is preparing to take its final plunge into the cold waters of the Atlantic, Jack Dawson and Rose are literally hanging on the edge of the ship. Jack turns to Rose and tells her, “Don’t let go. Whatever happens, don’t let go.”
Have you ever been tempted to let go? In other words, have you been tempted to say, “The heck with it. Life is just too much. I give up!” Sometimes in life we’re tempted to throw in the towel. We all go through difficulties and times of suffering that can make life feel overwhelming, times when family can seem to be more of a burden than a gift or times when work can stress us out. We encounter countless difficulties that can seem insurmountable.
This Sunday is traditionally known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” In the gospel Jesus refers to himself as a shepherd who knows his sheep. His sheep, he says, hear his voice and follow him. As our shepherd we belong to him. What does a shepherd do? A shepherd knows his sheep; a shepherd looks out for his sheep; a shepherd protects his sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for us so that we may have eternal life.
The words in that scene from “Titanic” have probably rung true for many of us, “Don’t let go. Whatever happens, don’t let go.” In other words, don’t give up, because the Lord never lets us go. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus also says that he knows us. Imagine: God knows us intimately. He knows our fears, our hopes and our dreams. He knows the plan he has for us. And we are in his hands. He is our Shepherd, leading and protecting us. Why worry about the future when it’s not here? Why dwell on the past when it’s gone? Why let problems in the present take away our peace when the Good Shepherd is here with us, in the present? We are in his hands and he does not let us go.
In your prayer this week, try to focus on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who never lets us go. And if you’re going through difficulties right now, remember that the Good Shepherd has a plan for you. Listen to his voice inviting you to hold his hand, for the Good Shepherd is leading you, guiding you and protecting you.
Father Michael Najim is Spiritual Director of Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Providence, as well as Catholic Chaplain at LaSalle Academy, Providence.
