True Shepherd

The WORD in other words (by Fr Alfonso Araceli SVD – Univeristy of San Carlos, Cebu City

Saturday 4th Week in Ordinary Time

There are similarities about shepherding that the readings today offer to us. This aspect of shepherding can be considered the benchmark in this time and generation, where some of our shepherds think of themselves only and not the people they serve.

The attitude of Solomon in the first reading is worth noticing. He says to the Lord, “Give your servant, therefore an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” Isn’t this a perfect modeling for a shepherd who has only good intentions for the flock? The Lord knows the mind and heart of Solomon, and thus empowers him further as a shepherd by saying, “I give you a heart so wise and understanding.” May the shepherd with a wise and good heart continue to guide the people towards the good.

Similarly, Jesus’ example in the gospel illustrates the same image of a shepherd to his apostles who just returned from their work and to the vast crowd that followed him. Telling his apostles, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” would mean that he is thinking of the welfare of his apostles who should consider a respite so that they can revitalize their tired bodies for the next challenges. Likewise, the vast crowd did not follow him in vain, for they were guided by Jesus as a true shepherd, teaching them good things about life.

Looking at some modern-day shepherds in our society today, we can only breathe a sigh of disappointment with the way they lead the flock. There is always bickering, animosity, and at times boasting as to who is greatest among them. Perhaps they have forgotten to pattern their shepherding after that of Jesus. But there is still hope when we look at Jesus as our shepherd.