This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
“The Lord is my Shepherd,” says today’s psalm. But in today’s first reading, St. Peter refers to other shepherds–human shepherds. He exhorts human shepherds, acting on Christ’s behalf, not to lord it over their flocks, but to lead by example.
The implication is that sometimes human shepherds do Lord it over their flocks, in contrast to the example of the Good Shepherd whom they allege to serve–and who gives His life for His flock.
Human shepherds can at times be so frustrating. Why does it seem that God goes back on His promise: “I myself will pasture my sheep” (Ez. 34:15)? Why does He send us weak human shepherds to pasture us?
The first such shepherd of the New Testament appointed by Christ is St. Peter himself. He who will deny Jesus three times, and who demonstrated on more than one occasion impetuous inconstancy, this is the shepherd whom Jesus puts in charge of shepherds, and sets as the foundation stone of His Church.
So it is that we see Peter fulfilling that charge in the first reading, exhorting the shepherds of the Church, as the first head shepherd.
Certainly, human shepherds can try out patience, with their sins, shortcomings, and weaknesses. And yet, we see the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise through history: That the human Church, in the midst of all the sins of its shepherds, leads the flock reliably and effectively to Christ, the one Shepherd, through its teachings and through the sacraments.
And after all, what is more glorious and merciful, that God should lead every individual, alone and isolated, in his heart, or that He should assume mere humans into the exalted role of leading others toward Him? What shows His omnipotence more effectively–that He should infuse only the inanimate word on the page with His Spirit, or that He should infuse living mouthpieces, however imperfect, with that Spirit in order to actively lead His flock?
“I myself will pasture them.” God fulfills wonderfully on this promise by instilling, in the most glorious, mysterious, and miraculous way, His very own supernatural charism of leadership into mere sinful mortals.
ldeas for conversation with the Lord: Think of the times that the Church, or at least those in leadership positions within the Church, have disappointed you. Then consider how much beautiful leadership you have received from other Christians, whether in your family, in your local community, or at some higher level. Even as you recognize the disappointment, drink deeply of the inspiring beauty of those whom Jesus has tasked with leading you to Him. And tell Him with all your heart how grateful you are to Him for His faithful shepherds.
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