In the first reading it is clear that shepherding is not referring simply to our spiritual elders. We are all called to shepherd those the Lord has placed in our lives. Let us reflect who those people are to us. Our parents, uncles and aunts, children, friends who have been through challenges and depend on us for consolation and whoever the spirit will impress on our hearts. And how are we to shepherd them? With love, respect, not using the upper hand of our position, not to make the receiver of our shepherding to feel that it is a burden to us. When we are truly connected to our true Shepherd, then we can be all that He wants us to be to His sheep. The Gospel today highlights who Jesus is. It was revealed to Peter by God the Father. Has God the Father revealed to you who Jesus is? Jesus clearly says that it is not flesh and blood. So we can assume it is the Spirit of God the Father, that has revealed Jesus’ identity to Peter. This can be food for meditating on the beautiful mystery of how the Holy Trinity operates.

Prayer: Abba Father, give us the grace to be loving shepherds of YOUR sheep. Amen.