Mt. 9: 36 – 10:8
God thinks like the shepherd who lays down his life in order to defend and save his sheep. (Pope Francis) In today’s gospel, we see Jesus commissioning a new band of leaders over the people of Israel as their shepherds. The leaders of his time, such as Pharisees, scribes, and elders, were called to be shepherds. However, they remained selfish, passive leaders and exploited the flock for their personal gain. We see Jesus telling his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Mt. 9:37,38) There were many leaders at that time, and everyone wanted to be a leader and rule over the people of Israel, but there weren’t many shepherds. Jesus is asking us to pray to Abba Father because it is the gift of Abba, who raises shepherds after his own heart.
To fulfil this mission of being shepherds, Jesus chose 12 apostles. Though they were ordinary men, Jesus gave them extra-ordinary powers such as casting out evil spirits, healing power, etc. They received these powers free of charge, and they were expected to exercise them for the effectiveness of their mission. And they are supposed to provide these graces for their flock with disinterested desire.
The first reading of the day, taken from the book of Exodus, presents the shepherding heart of Abba Father. Which remains a paragon role model for all of us who are followers of Christ. We also encounter the same shepherding heart in Christ. The Lord says, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” (Ex. 19:4) The Lord liberated them from the bondage of Egypt. He accompanied the people of Israel, cloud by day and fire by night. The Lord fought a battle for the people of Israel, who challenged them and blocked their entry into the promised land. They remained strong and victorious even before the mighty armies. Like this, each shepherd is called to care for and guide the flock entrusted to his/her care.
The second reading, taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, reveals the beauty of the shepherding heart of Christ. “But God proves his love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom.5:6) Every shepherd is called to possess this shepherding heart and dedicate his/her life to their flock, even when the flock may not respond to the care of the shepherd. When we think in human terms, it is not easy. However, all of us, the disciples of Christ, are called to grow into this shepherding heart. Let us make use of all our God-given gifts in the service of those entrusted to our care and grow as shepherds after the heart of Jesus, the good shepherd.