Jesus went around to all the towns and villages,
teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every disease and illness.
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd. (Mt 9:35-36)
Shepherds are very important people.
They pasture the flock.
They guide the flock.
They protect the flock.
Without a shepherd, you might as well write off the flock. They will, undoubtedly, get into trouble and become lost along the way.
Jesus looked with compassion at the people around them because He knew that they would be lost without someone to guide them.
As much as Jesus was the shepherd for His people, He also prepared them to be shepherds as well, calling them to ministry.
You and I are the sheep of the flock.
However, you and I are called to be shepherds as well.
We can only do that if we follow the Good Shepherd so that we can lead His people rightly.
We pray that more people answer the call to be shepherds of God’s people and that the sheep do not stray.
FAITH ACTION: Pray for all those who shepherd the Church — especially Pope Francis and our Bishop, Donald — that God give them the many graces they need.