God reprimands bad shepherds in unequivocal terms in today’s readings:
Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD, You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them. (Jer. 23:1-2)
God sounds this harsh because he cares so much for his people. God expresses anger at depraved shepherds for their extravagance and callousness. They mislead and scatter the sheep. They take advantage of weak ones. Consequently, God threatens to step them aside while caring for the “remnant” of the flock, to gather them from wherever they are scattered.
The image of shepherding is familiar in the Old Testament as a depiction of the relationship between God and Israel. God guides Israel, cares for her, and protects her through their first exodus journey to the promised land. God shepherds Israel forever. We see that in David’s Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
The prophet Jeremiah uses David as that image of a king with the heart of a shepherd, thereby conveying the relationship between shepherding and leadership. Leaders are called to embrace the heart of shepherds, advocate for justice, and govern wisely. But in the face of bad leadership, God reminds us of his unrelenting love and care for the sheep, “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock… and none will be missing.”
Jesus fulfills the messianic role of the good shepherd in Mark’s gospel (6:30-34). He receives the apostles after their missionary journey. He protects them from the crowd who go after them on sighting them in the boat. Jesus’ heart is moved with pity for the flock, “for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things” (Mk. 6:34).
Jesus exemplifies the good shepherd's heart: pity for the weak. The shepherd is the teacher, guide, caregiver, comforter, protector, peacemaker, and leader. The shepherd speaks peace.
Shepherding in the Church
The clergy occupy positions of shepherding in the church as pastoral leaders. Priest's roles are described as the threefold office -prophet, priest, and king. The prophet is God’s mouthpiece, speaking and teaching God’s beauty, truth, and goodness. The priest offers sacrifices to God and invokes God’s blessings on the people. The king mediates on behalf of the people and brings hope to those entrusted to his care. God expects church ministers to be shepherds with good hearts by being available for the sheep. Unless the shepherds commit sacrificially, the sheep scatter. The church needs shepherds in our time.
Shepherds in the family
Parents shepherd their children as leaders and guides. Parents give up pleasures mostly for the sake of parenting. Children look up to their parents for safety and morals. Parents provide basic needs, at least until a certain age. Parents help children imbibe goodness for their future. Parents must live as courageous shepherds, otherwise the children grow up like sheep without a shepherd. Today’s world is experiencing a growing sense of fear, anxiety, and depression because shepherds are found wanting in their homes.
Shepherds in politics
Political leaders must realize how much has been entrusted into their care as shepherds. Whereas other shepherds have a limited scope of governance, politicians receive mandates to govern nations, states, and local political regions. They take oaths to protect the people and to advocate for justice. Politicians swear to defend life, campaign to speak on behalf of the weak members of the state, and legislate to protect truth as given by God. In certain cultures, politicians can have powers like kings in the Old Testament. They do not have any reason to compromise their roles in defending and promoting the dignity of life at every stage of its development. To renege on this mandate is to betray the trust of the people. The sheep can scatter.
Shepherds in the schools
Teachers also play the role of shepherds in schools. Often, teachers have direct contact with students from a young age. Other than parents, children look up to teachers for guidance and safety. Children see teachers as a part of their developmental process, as mentors. Teachers must accompany students with care and weak ones with empathy. Beyond teaching subjects assigned in class, teachers should show leadership examples to students. Teachers must lead, guide, and protect students in schools like shepherds.
Today, we have a challenge: reassess our roles as shepherds. Either we become the shepherds as God desires, or we get out of the way. The sheep are thirsty for truth in the church, at home, in schools, and in society. The sheep seem scattered all over the social media seeking to be fed. The sheep seem more vulnerable than ever and flock to only a shepherd who speaks up for God’s truth. God’s words will always come true as He declares, “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply.”
What do you think God will say to you today in your role as a shepherd, “Well done or woe to you?”
May the Lord give us the heart of a shepherd to care for those entrusted to our care. Amen.
Readings: 1st- Jer. 23:1-6; 2nd- Eph. 2:13-18; Gospel- Mk. 6:30-34
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