There is often a portrayal of sheep as being easily misled, vulnerable, and moving as a mob. They are easily spooked by fears that may be as commonplace as a gust of wind, a sudden noise, or the appearance of a stranger. But they also seek out good pastures and seek to stay close to each other. Like all living things they provide gifts that are not just fleece and food! They also help us to discover how to slow down and become present in the environment in which we live.
When Jesus chose the image of the good shepherd he sought to provide an understanding that he came to live among them. Pope Francis often talks about having the smell of the sheep on the person who pastures the flock. This is important because it means that a person lives in the same conditions as them and does not hold himself aloof from their daily struggles. It is one of the realities of being a priest that we are not to lord it over others but rather listen to their stories and become one with them.
This is probably counter-intuitive as we see people in leadership being removed from the everyday struggles of people. This distance can seem to them trying to control, direct or manage the mob rather than being part of the mob. The call that Jesus places on our hearts to take on their labor and at times be willing to carry them along. In this we discover that the kingdom of God is within us and that God lends his ear to those that seek to be led. Today we notice how he seeks to cure the sick, raise those who are deadened to life, cleanse human hearts, and purge us of all that alienates us from God and each other.
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