Over the centuries, especially in the past decades, we have seen that when people come to power, they take on their responsibilities with sincerity. But with time, as they taste the potential of power and the abilities it gives them, they give up the idea of relinquishing their hold. They change rules and circumvent the law so they can remain forever – so they think.

However our Lord Jesus, knowing the struggle that would emanate from one placed in such a position, gave us a fine example and humbled himself, never abusing his authority and power to assert his position or save himself from the terrors of the death he faced.

This is His call to all of us who have been given some position of leadership either in the religious circles, in the corporate world or as heads of families. Do we deal with those placed below us with love, concern and humility or do we assert our leadership and position at every twist and turn.

Our Lord Jesus offered us the best model of a leader as is demonstrated by a Shepherd and his sheep. In this relationship of love and protection, the shepherd is ready to give his life for the sheep. This is the extent to which he is willing to go. In today’s context we have leaders who eliminate people if they see them as a threat. The people are erased off the surface of the earth. Secondly, the Shepherd has a deep relationship with the sheep… between themselves there is a constant flow of communication by way of warnings, love and encouragement. As leaders, we are not called to be autocratic but involving and open to suggestions. In religious settings well aware of the transient nature of life, we should be aware that we are temporary custodians of the assets that we are vested with.

How can we save ourselves from living in the flesh? It is deliverance by the blood of Jesus. The daily receiving and washing of the blood of Jesus can save us from the clutches of the flesh and deliver us into the presence of the Lord. Hearing the voice of the Shepherd refers to a life of prayer and staying in touch with what the Father wants. When we live apart from the vine, we begin to become self centered and our eyes close to the cries and pleas of those around us. In the Gospel proclamation our Lord invites us to come away with Him to a time of rest and recuperation. Our Lord has pity for the crowds and his heart goes out to their desolation and hunger for Him. As leaders let us rest in the Lord, remain in prayer with him, listen to his voice and know that the Lord’s heart is throbbing with love for us.

Prayer: Abba Father, we surrender our motivations and blindness to you and ask for the grace to be loving leaders to those we look over and after – Amen