Jeremiah 23.1-6/ Ps.23.2+3,4,6/ Ephesians 2.13-18/ Mark 6.30-34
Jesus` shepherding fully symbolizes the unending love and deep mercy of God to each one of us. Jesus shepherding, as best explained in our yearly “Good Shepherd Sunday” celebration, speaks about the loving relationship with the flock. In here, we consider ourselves as His flock, and He is our shepherd. The intention of the Shepherd worth to mention is that of keeping the flocks near Him, and most especially bringing back the lost to the flock.
A wide reader of the church history can attest on how our Church has humbly journeyed up to the present with our leaders. We have been graced with leaders faithful in sharing the Good News to all. We also had leaders who were deeply challenged in many and different ways. We however believe that the leaders of our church with their own weaknesses like us are trying their best to become more faithful as our leaders and companions in the journey. With a lot of “consolation-desolation experiences” we hope that all our reflections about leadership with many facets will gear towards each one`s spiritual growth, and towards deeper relationship with Jesus in particular. For whatever the unbecoming leadership has brought our Church, we learn to forgive. We ask for forgiveness too with urgency of our abrupt judgments and impatience. Healing of the past can ensure peace among her (Church`s) members (confer to our second reading).
We are thankful, with our first reading`s reminder that the Lord does not allow leaders who mislead His flock. We are thankful of His promise to protect us with matured and compassionate leaders.
Each faithful can be part of good leadership. It may not be so much on being ahead in the journey in which we have at the back our followers. New leaders prioritize more on becoming better companions in the journey. A leader who got to be inspired by the Word of God and are being led by the Holy Spirit is generous, compassionate, patient and merciful (forgiving). Therefore, they are good companions in the journey. A leader walking together with each one, with a more listening ear and welcoming heart can be a representation of new leadership. Let us embrace a new face of leadership.