“The Lord is my shepherd”. Psalm 23 is probably one of the most celebrated and well known psalms. It depicts the Lord as the one who loves, cares for us and takes care of our needs as a good shepherd. We are called to be shepherds in our various spheres of influence. We are called to servant-leadership, whether it be in our homes, families, workplaces, parishes or our ministries. We are called to care for and guide other people in our different roles in life.

Good leaders unite people directing them toward a goal or purpose. They are unselfish and give their time, effort and attention. They look out for their people, putting the needs of the people before their own. The Lord Jesus is the most excellent example of good leadership. He is the shepherd who looks after his sheep and lays down his life for them.

In the Gospel proclamation we see that Jesus clearly understood the need for rest. When we are feeling weary amidst the busyness of life and our various responsibilities we should have in mind that even our Lord Jesus recognized the need to rest. We see him call the apostles to come with him to a lonely place where they are able to spend some much needed one-on-one time with him.

When we feel down let us also seek a quiet time with the Lord, pouring out to him our struggles and challenges, and in prayer listen to his gentle voice as he lovingly guides us.

In the second reading we hear the phrase “Through him we have access in one Spirit to the Father.” Far too often we forget that God listens to us. And God works always for our good. Our God is not a God who is far away from us, but a God who stoops down to listen to us and who is always there for us, even when we are not aware of him. God does not lead us astray. Rather, when we go astray, God is there leading us back and seeking to find ways to love us.

It is only when we allow the Lord to love us deeply as a shepherd, guiding us back to his heart each time we stray, are we able in-turn to love others.

Today just as in the time of Jesus, there are many who are like sheep without a shepherd and are looking for good leaders to lead them. It is only those who have been deeply loved who are able to deeply love others.

PRAYER: Abba Father, let me hear your voice. Empower me to love others as you love me. Amen.