Shepherds

   “Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, nor for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5: 2 – 3)”

   It is my view that this scripture should be required reading for all priests, ministers, pastors, deacons and other spiritual leaders.  It should be a part of their morning and evening prayers; it should be on their minds throughout the day.  Decisions should be made with this scripture in mind.

   Far too many of our shepherds seem far more interested in their own comfort and well-being than in that of their flock.  Many live in virtual mansions with others to take care of them, drive them around, cook and clean for them.  They preach to the poor in their thousand-dollar suits.  When the service is over they get in their luxury cars and quickly return to their comfortable home, far from the poverty and misery of others.

   St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said she saw the face of Jesus in the faces of the poor for whom she cared.  I fear too many shepherds are more likely to see money in the faces of those in their care.  Rarely is serious sin the topic of homilies and sermons; abortion and euthanasia is rampant, homosexual so-called marriage has become accepted, child pornography and human trafficking is big business, children are killing children because they have no respect for life.  Yet these topics seem to be taboo.  To preach against sinfulness might offend those in the pews.  They might leave and go to a church that doesn’t try to tell them how to live.  Worse yet, their money would go with them.

   We need to pray for our priests and pastors.  We need to pray that they will take the admonition of Peter seriously and be the shepherds they are called to be.  They need to read and take to heart Jesus’ warnings to the scribes and Pharisees that begins with, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (see Matthew 23: 13 – 36).

Father we pray for our spiritual leaders.

Fill them with the Holy Spirit.

Give them courage in their ministry.

Make them true shepherds of their flocks.