Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Priests — Servants in Pastoral Ministry
Priests are called to be Good Shepherds and Emulators of Jesus.
Bible portion: John 10. 7-12
Key Verse
“I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”.
Devotion
Bible portion: John 10. 7-12
Key Verse
“I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”.
Devotion
Today we reflect on a powerful and profound verse from the Gospel of John, Chapter 10, verse 11, where Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." This image of Jesus as the good shepherd is central to understanding His ministry and mission. As priests and leaders in the faith community, are called to emulate this example.
What it means to be a good shepherd like Jesus.
1. The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep: A good shepherd knows his sheep intimately. Jesus says in John 10:14, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." As priests, they are called to know their flocks intimately. This means being present in their lives, understanding their joys and struggles, and walking alongside them in their spiritual journey. Building strong relationships based on trust and love is foundational to shepherding. Consider a shepherd in the fields, who knows each sheep by name, recognizing their unique characteristics and needs. Similarly, priest must strive to know his parishioners, to be attuned to their individual needs and circumstances, offering guidance and support tailored to each one.
2. The Good Shepherd Leads with Compassion: Jesus' compassion for His flock is evident throughout the Gospels. In Matthew 9:36, we read, "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." As priests, their leadership must be marked by compassion. They are called to see the world through the eyes of their congregation, to understand their pain and to respond with empathy and love. The parable of the lost sheep, where the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one that is lost. This demonstrates the depth of Jesus' compassion and His willingness to go to great lengths to bring a single lost soul back into the fold. Priests, too, must be willing to reach out to those who are lost, marginalized, or in need of special care.
3. The Good Shepherd Protects the Flock: A shepherd's duty includes protecting the sheep from harm. Jesus, the good shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep, demonstrating the ultimate act of protection and sacrifice. As spiritual leaders, priests are entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard the spiritual well-being of our communities. This involves teaching sound doctrine, offering wise counsel, and standing firm against any threats that may lead our flock astray. Recall the image of David, the shepherd boy, who protected his sheep from lions and bears. He later became a king who defended his people with the same courage and dedication. The priests also are vigilant and courageous in protecting our parishioners from spiritual dangers.
4. The Good Shepherd Guides and Nourishes: Shepherds lead their sheep to green pastures and still waters, ensuring they are well-fed and cared for. In Psalm 23, the Lord is described as a shepherd who provides and sustains. As priests, we must guide our congregation to spiritual nourishment through the Word of God, the sacraments, and prayer. Priests are called to be spiritual mentors, helping their flock to grow in faith and holiness. Envision a shepherd leading his sheep to lush pastures, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive spiritually. Priests must similarly lead their flock to the richness of God's grace and truth, providing them with the spiritual sustenance they need to flourish.
5. The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life: The most profound aspect of Jesus as the good shepherd is His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep. This sacrificial love is the cornerstone of our faith and the ultimate example of leadership. As priests, they are called to embody this sacrificial love in their ministry. This may involve personal sacrifices, putting the needs of others before their own, and serving with humility and selflessness. Reflect on the life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, who offered his life in exchange for a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz. His act of self-sacrifice was a profound reflection of Christ's love and a powerful example of what it means to be a good shepherd.
When Jesus claimed that “I am the good Shepherd”, implicates that there are bad shepherds also in the realm of pasturing. This devotion can’t complete without mention the verse of the prophet Ezekiel 34:3 speak about the failure of the shepherds of Israel to care for their flock, saying, "You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock." This verse is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities of spiritual leaders. Pastors or spiritual leaders are called to nurture, protect, and serve the congregations selflessly, ensuring their spiritual well-being and growth, rather than seeking personal gain. Let the spiritual leaders and Pastors strive to be shepherds who genuinely care for the flock entrusted to them by God.
What it means to be a good shepherd like Jesus.
1. The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep: A good shepherd knows his sheep intimately. Jesus says in John 10:14, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." As priests, they are called to know their flocks intimately. This means being present in their lives, understanding their joys and struggles, and walking alongside them in their spiritual journey. Building strong relationships based on trust and love is foundational to shepherding. Consider a shepherd in the fields, who knows each sheep by name, recognizing their unique characteristics and needs. Similarly, priest must strive to know his parishioners, to be attuned to their individual needs and circumstances, offering guidance and support tailored to each one.
2. The Good Shepherd Leads with Compassion: Jesus' compassion for His flock is evident throughout the Gospels. In Matthew 9:36, we read, "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." As priests, their leadership must be marked by compassion. They are called to see the world through the eyes of their congregation, to understand their pain and to respond with empathy and love. The parable of the lost sheep, where the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one that is lost. This demonstrates the depth of Jesus' compassion and His willingness to go to great lengths to bring a single lost soul back into the fold. Priests, too, must be willing to reach out to those who are lost, marginalized, or in need of special care.
3. The Good Shepherd Protects the Flock: A shepherd's duty includes protecting the sheep from harm. Jesus, the good shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep, demonstrating the ultimate act of protection and sacrifice. As spiritual leaders, priests are entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard the spiritual well-being of our communities. This involves teaching sound doctrine, offering wise counsel, and standing firm against any threats that may lead our flock astray. Recall the image of David, the shepherd boy, who protected his sheep from lions and bears. He later became a king who defended his people with the same courage and dedication. The priests also are vigilant and courageous in protecting our parishioners from spiritual dangers.
4. The Good Shepherd Guides and Nourishes: Shepherds lead their sheep to green pastures and still waters, ensuring they are well-fed and cared for. In Psalm 23, the Lord is described as a shepherd who provides and sustains. As priests, we must guide our congregation to spiritual nourishment through the Word of God, the sacraments, and prayer. Priests are called to be spiritual mentors, helping their flock to grow in faith and holiness. Envision a shepherd leading his sheep to lush pastures, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive spiritually. Priests must similarly lead their flock to the richness of God's grace and truth, providing them with the spiritual sustenance they need to flourish.
5. The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life: The most profound aspect of Jesus as the good shepherd is His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep. This sacrificial love is the cornerstone of our faith and the ultimate example of leadership. As priests, they are called to embody this sacrificial love in their ministry. This may involve personal sacrifices, putting the needs of others before their own, and serving with humility and selflessness. Reflect on the life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, who offered his life in exchange for a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz. His act of self-sacrifice was a profound reflection of Christ's love and a powerful example of what it means to be a good shepherd.
When Jesus claimed that “I am the good Shepherd”, implicates that there are bad shepherds also in the realm of pasturing. This devotion can’t complete without mention the verse of the prophet Ezekiel 34:3 speak about the failure of the shepherds of Israel to care for their flock, saying, "You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock." This verse is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities of spiritual leaders. Pastors or spiritual leaders are called to nurture, protect, and serve the congregations selflessly, ensuring their spiritual well-being and growth, rather than seeking personal gain. Let the spiritual leaders and Pastors strive to be shepherds who genuinely care for the flock entrusted to them by God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Jesus, the good shepherd. Help us to follow in your footsteps, to lead with love and compassion, to protect and guide our flock, and to serve with selfless dedication. Lord helps us always seek to reflect your love and grace in and through our lives of service. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Being a good shepherd like Jesus is a high calling and a profound responsibility. It requires the shepherds to know their flock, lead with compassion, protect, guide, and be willing to lay down their lives in service. Let them strive to embody these qualities in their ministry, always looking to Jesus as their model and inspiration.
P. T. Mathew
Mar Thoma Church of Dallas F.B. Texas.
Mar Thoma Church of Dallas F.B. Texas.