Father knows me and I know the Father. Because of this, I give my life for my sheep. I have other sheep which are not of this fold. These I have to lead
as well, and they shall listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, since there is one shepherd.
The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down freely. It is mine to lay down
and to take up again: this mission I received from my Father.”
Lection Divina:
READ: Jesus proclaims Himself as the good shepherd who cares so much for
the welfare of His sheep. He will even lay His life for His sheep. He will gather all
His sheep into one fold, even those who are still not yet with Him. Then there
will be one flock and one shepherd.
REFLECT: The good shepherd is an image of pastoral leadership that Jesus
forwards as a guide for later followers who will be in position of power and
authority on His behalf. It is a leadership taken from the daily life of people during
the Lord’s time. Thus, modern men and women called to pastoral leadership
must know and understand the context of this image of leadership. Then they
can apply it in leading and managing the flock of God entrusted to their care. So
what are the basic elements of a good shepherd style of leadership? First is selfsacrifice
for the safety of the flock. The shepherd faces all adversaries that try to
harm the flock. Their safety is his or her primary concern. Second, communication
is strong and credible so much so that the flock hears and listens to his or her
voice. Third, the good shepherd never tires of looking after not only of the sheep
in the fold, but seeks and brings back those who have strayed from the fold. It
is therefore a leadership based on concern for the flock. It is not conscious of its
dignity and power but of responsibility and service.
RESPOND: How does our own leadership style square off with the good
shepherd? We may not be the top tier managers of our workplace but we are
leaders in our home, community involvements or even perhaps in the chapel,
or parish, or religious organizations we belong. Have the courage to modify our
approach to power and authority. Let us sync with the Lord’s proposal to lead
with service and love to our flock.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021