Role and Responsibility of the Shepherd

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

Ordinary Season: Sixteenth  Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 6:30-34*

*First Reading : Jer 23:1-6*

*SECOND READING - Eph 2:13-18*

*Role and Responsibility of the Shepherd*

*1) Liturgy on Shepherd*

The Liturgy of the day calls us to reflect about the role, importance and and responsibility of the Shepherds 

How crucial is the role of the shepherd, the crisis that takes place when the shepherd fails in his responsibility and the repercussions of the failure is beautifully explained in today's readings 

This also calls us to reflect about our responsibility as shepherds of our own little flock - that is the family 

*2) The Gross failures of the Shepherds*

*First reading*

God had chosen many shepherds to take care of His flock. Instead of taking care of the flock they failed in their responsibility 

Their failure is seen in these things 

They misled the flock 

They scattered the flock 

They drove the flock away from God

They didn't take care of the flock 

*Result is*

The flock went away from God and went into exile

The shepherds were punished by God 

The shepherds were removed from their position 

God chose new shepherds for taking care of His people

*3) Jesus the Great Shepherd*

*2nd Reading*

Jesus is seen as the model shepherd who does the following things for His people 

*He sacrificed his life for his flock 

*He worked for unity among Jews and Gentiles 

*He abolished those laws which burdened the people and gave only the commandment of Love 

*He worked for peace 

*Brought reconciliation through his death on the Cross, which brought Humankind back to God

*4) Compassionate Jesus*

One of the great qualities of a shepherd 

Compassion consists in the following 

Understanding the others 

Knowing the real situation of others 

Having a non judgmental attitude

Reaching out in their need

Forgiving their faults 

Having a open mind to see the reality 

Working for them without any selfish motives 

Giving right guidance 

Showing them the correct way 

Jesus' compassion consisted in these things. It is not a mear feeling but s reality 

*5)  The Need of the  Shepherds*

Family needs a shepherds

Society needs a shepherd

Ward needs a shepherd

Parish needs a shepherd

Diocese needs a shepherd 

Universal Church needs a shepherd

State and county needs a shepherd

*6) We are responsibile shepherds*

The Shepherd of the Family

Very important and crucial role to play 

Failures in the family responsibility can cause serious problems for the future generation

There are lots of problems among the children and youth of the day 

The primary cause of these problems cab be seen in the family, where responsibile people have failed to play their role

We need to rethink about the responsibile parenthood in the present society

As a shepherd of the family what is my responsibility?

As a shepherd of the community what is my responsibility? 

As a religious shepherd of the flock what is my responsibility? 

Serious questions need to be answered to carry out our role in an effective way

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*