The pastor of a rich suburban parish was speaking to the young students in their religion class.
He told them that as their pastor he was like a shepherd and the members of his congregation were the sheep. He then put this question to them: “What does the shepherd do for the sheep?”
A little boy in the front row raised his hand and answered, “He fleeces them.”
True enough, shepherds go into their business for the purpose of fleecing, milking and feeding on the sheep. But when the Bible speaks of the leaders of God’s people as shepherds, it envisions leaders who feed, protect and feel with the people as a good shepherd does for his flock.
Pope Francis has said many times that his priests must be “shepherds with the smell of the sheep, and accompany them closely throughout their lives.”
Thanks to Fr. Munachi Ezeogu, CSSP. Thanks to Trinity Kubassek for the picture.
Think of people YOU know who are fleecing, or milking, or feeding those who are less fortunate.
THE CLOSER YOU ARE TO CHRIST THE SHEPHERD, THE SAFER YOU ARE FROM THE WOLVES.
