The Good Shepherd

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

 

It was — and still is — a common sight on the hills of Palestine to see men looking after sheep. There is a close connection between shepherd and sheep. The shepherd will risk his life if his sheep were in danger of being exposed to attacks of the wild beasts or thieves. The shepherd would sleep with his sheep and call each one by name. The shepherd imagery is very common throughout Scripture. The title of shepherd is used to designate those in leadership — kings, priests and other leaders in authority. Even God is seen in Scripture as the Shepherd — we are His people, the sheep of His flock. At the time of Ezekiel, which was a time of international upheaval and Jewish exile, God notices the unfaithfulness of these supposed shepherds. The very ones who were responsible for looking after the flock neglected their duties.

There was a reversal in roles according to the prophet. Shepherds were not looking after the sheep but rather after themselves. They were living lives of luxury and taking advantage to the detriment of the people. They were not strengthening the weak, healing the afflicted or seeking those who have gone stray. In fact, the people were at a loss without a shepherd. In the end God declares that He will shepherd the sheep and do away with these false shepherds who only care for themselves.

We must pray for the shepherds in our society — those entrusted with responsibility. How often do we see shepherds taking advantage of those entrusted to them by abusing their power and authority?

I remember once being asked by my spiritual director: what empowers you and how do you show your power? We can empower in love or we can empower in domination. All of us are entrusted with power to be shepherds, one way or another. Do we use that power to be good shepherds or do we take advantage of that power to dominate and lord it over others? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

Reflection Question:

Who am I a shepherd to in my life? Am I a good shepherd?

 

The Lord is my Shepherd. There is nothing I shall want. Amen.