Like Sheep without a Shepherd

Saturday 4th February 2023. Read Hebrews 13:15-17,20-21, Ps. 23, Mark 6:30-34

“As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.’” (Mark 6:34)

The disciples of Jesus returned after they had been sent out to preach in the neighboring towns and villages. Jesus simply recommends a retreat. To retreat in this context is to go to a quiet place to rest, review one’s activities, and refuel. However, once the people noticed where Jesus and his disciples were going, they got there ahead of them.

Ordinarily, one would have expected Jesus to get angry with them but Jesus looked with compassion on the crowd, that is, he put himself in their shoes and saw they were like sheep without a shepherd.

To be compassionate is to feel the plight of others as though it was your own. Compassion is a necessary quality of any shepherd, leader, or parent. A leader who lacks compassion tends to use his position to serve himself only.

Let us ask ourselves: “Am I a compassionate leader?” It is easy to point fingers at our leaders in Nigeria today but we can only make a difference if we all begin pointing fingers at ourselves. Am I using my position to better the lives of those who are under me? As a father, am I compassionate towards my children? As a priest, do I feed my flock?

What happens when those who should lead us either in the civil or spiritual sphere are not measuring up? Our first reading from the book of Hebrews answers this question: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing…” (Hebrews 13:17). In verse 18, it adds: “Pray for us … to act honorably in all things.”

As we pray for our leaders who are not compassionate, let us also be willing to prepare ourselves to take up such leadership positions. Prayer is essential but we cannot afford to stop only at prayer. We must take action.

If you think those at the helm of affairs today have failed, then you who still fear God and love the people must take an active part in replacing them. Begin by ensuring you vote your conscience, let your voice be heard, and even after the elections, do not just fold your hands. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, give me a compassionate heart that I may be a good leader. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 4 in Ordinary Time, Bible Study: Hebrews 13:15-17,20-21, Ps. 23, Mark 6:30-34).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu