Shepherding

The Chosen People were familiar with the role of the shepherd. Theirs was a tough life. It was also a dangerous life. The job of the shepherd was to lead, protect and nourish the sheep. The shepherd lived with the sheep and got to know them very well. The sheep recognized his voice. Through the prophet Ezekiel God spoke to the people who had been neglected by the people he had appointed to care for them: “For thus says the Lord God: ‘I myself will look after and tend my sheep. As a shepherd tends his flock, when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest says the Lord God. The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal – but the sleek and strong I will destroy – shepherding rightly.” (Ezekiel 34:11-16) The Good Shepherd Psalm (23) describes how God cared for his people. That beautiful image of the pastoral care of a shepherd for his sheep describes God’s loving care for his people. The psalm described God’s leadership, protection, and the nourishment he provides for his people.

Jesus described himself as the “Good Shepherd”. He fulfills the promise made by God through the prophet Ezekiel. He fulfills the dream of the chosen people for someone who truly speaks on God’s behalf, cares for them, and be their shepherd. Jesus embodies all that a shepherd should be. He leads the way! He protects the flock and he leads them to green pasture. He sought out the lost, be brought back those who had strayed, and he heals the sick! Jesus continues his shepherding work in and through the Church – in and through all who have been appointed as pastors. This is the role of the Supreme Shepherd to care for the flock. He is the successor of Peter to whom Christ entrusted the keys of the kingdom, and who said to Peter, “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.”

The bishops as successor of the Apostles are designated and consecrated to lead, protect and move in the faithful. They are our shepherds. Then the local pastor is also a shepherd to the people of his parish. Pastors are the helpers to the bishop in caring for the flock.

Everyone who is entrusted with the care of others is a shepherd. Not just religious leaders but parents, teachers, doctors, nurses, government officials – are all shepherds. We become good shepherds by loving those entrusted to our care – loving them, caring for them and praying for them. We as good shepherds, caring for those God has entrusted to us, must also protect them from physical and spiritual dangers – and use our resources for their welfare. Parents in a special way have a unique mission in caring for and protecting the children God has given them!

May all of us be true and good shepherds for others.