16th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year B By Rev. Fr. Lucas Binnah Junior

1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6 /Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a.3b-4.5.6 (R. 1) 2nd Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18 /Gospel Acclamation: John 10:27-18 /Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

Theme: Like Sheep Without A Shepherd

“Everything begins and ends with leadership” says John C. Maxwell. There is also a school of thought supported by many commentators that says that the problem we face in the world is that of leadership. Whether true or false, bad leadership in the world, society, politics, economics, family, religion and all aspects of life accounts for our woes as a people. Countless instances of what good leadership can bring about abound: progress, development, peace and harmony. The converse is also true, where bad leadership has plunged people into the abyss of abject poverty, untold suffering, backwardness, despondency and death. Today, God indicts bad governance and provides a sure blueprint to ensure a kind of leadership that serves rather than marginalise people.

 It is from the aforementioned that the Responsorial Psalm puts in song the servant leadership of God symbolised by the cordial relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. We read: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want” (Ps. 23:1). In a very descriptive manner, the Psalmist uses picturesque imagery to present the role played by the shepherd in the life of his sheep. First and foremost, the shepherd is caring, concerned and sensitive so much that, the sheep is convinced that with the shepherd, all its needs are assured and secured. With the shepherd comes all the suppositories needed to sustain the life of the sheep. Can the same be said about our leaders, presidents, governors, ministers, pastors and all in places of trust? Do they mean well for the people they govern? As the sheep of God, do we also trust in his providence? Do we believe he considers our spiritual and physical welfare; that he takes care of our past, present and future?

Secondly, the shepherd provides quality food packed with nourishment; that is, ‘fresh and green pastures’ (Ps. 23:2) which satisfy the heart and soul such that the sheep finds repose. Are we able to provide basic needs such as food, water, education, health and social amenities as leaders, governments and persons entrusted with the care of other people? Thirdly, the shepherd is able to lead the sheep to ‘restful waters’ (Ps. 23:2), waters which revive the soul. Fourthly, the shepherd provides perfect guidance for the sheep. Like a good tour guide who is very familiar with the geography of a place, the shepherd is able to lead the sheep ‘along right path’ (Ps. 23:3). Do we also lead with a clear vision that drives people to their destinies? Fifthly, the sheep is so certain that death, which is its worst fear, treacherous enemy and trepid evil, becomes vanquished. The sheep says confidently: “I will fear no evil” (Ps. 23:4). Why? The reason being that, the ever abiding presence and availability of the shepherd is assured. Do we feel the protection of God? Do we believe that with God we have the best security ever? Do we abandon our Christian faith to serve idols? Do we join cults and secret societies for pseudo, limited and destructive power? Can our governments protect lives and properties as enshrined in each country’s constitution?

Sixthly, the shepherd is identified with the ‘crook and staff’ (cf. Ps. 23:4). The crook has a curved end with which the shepherd draws back the straying sheep. On the other hand, the staff is used to spank the sheep in order to redirect them. Both tools are also used to fight wild animals which may attack the sheep. Thus, the leader is expected to correct, rebuke and discipline the sheep, but that has to be done in charity and compassion. Can we be courageous enough to speak to power, the issues of bad leadership, corruption, insecurity, nepotism, hypocrisy and racism? Can governments summon courage to stop the blood-letting caused by terrorists? Will countries engaged in arms deal prevent arms from reaching wrong hands? Seventhly, even in the midst of enemies, the Shepherd is able to secure the lives of the sheep, and they are able to celebrate in a banquet style. There is grace, peace, happiness and progress because the Shepherd confers divine favours in the form of anointing for the sheep. Can our security agents do their work very well so that people will sleep in peace not in fear? Can we ensure that killer-herdsmen, kidnappers, armed robbers and those who threaten citizens’ life find no conducive environment to operate?

Finally, the sheep is very optimistic that with the availability of the shepherd, goodness, mercy, and long life in the house of the Lord are certainly assured (cf. Ps. 23:6). As a matter of fact, it takes experiential knowledge for such intimate relationship based on trust, to be established between the sheep and the shepherd. That is why the Gospel acclamation says: “My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn. 10:27). Leaders should know their followers, their needs and be ready to attend to them. Giving excuses for one’s obligations is a sign of bad leadership. It points to incompetence and neglect of duty. A leader is chosen or elected to solve problems not to be engaged in constant defensive mechanisms. Good leaders know their shortcomings, accept their mistakes and are ready at all cost to remedy them.

With the aforementioned attributes of the shepherd and the confident trust the sheep reposes in the former, the first and second readings as well as the Gospel of today show us the framework within which we too can inspire good leadership for our generation and the next. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God expresses his displeasure about the way into which leadership has turned. Particularly, he says: “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” (Jer. 23:1). In a more scathing fashion, God indicts the shepherds when he says: “You have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them” (Jer. 23:2). This is a great warning to leaders. It means their power is limited. They shall not rule forever, and that bad leaders will be punished ultimately. Listen to what God says: “Behold, I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord” (Jer. 23:2). In spite of this gargantuan failure on the part of leaders, God promises restoration to his people and pledges to raise good leaders of which he calls them “righteous branch” (cf. Jer. 23:5). He promises that the sheep shall multiply and be fruitful under good leaders (cf. Jer. 23:3). For this, we must pray to God!

The same feeling of displeasure on the side of God is also expressed in the Gospel. The Jewish authority was far-distant from the people. Unlike the impressive King David, they abandoned the people, leaving them to fend for themselves. On his part, when he sees the multitude, Jesus has compassion on them and describes them with these heart-breaking words: “they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mk. 6:34). Jesus sees what they need and provides it. He identifies with them and their needs, gives them attention and tender-loving care by spending time to teach them many things. Jesus and his disciples gave off themselves, their time and energy for the crowd, to the extent that, “they had no leisure even to eat” (Mk. 6:31). Hmm, can our presidents, governors, ministers, pastors and leaders in general go hungry for their followers? Can they make out time to be with their people? Do they really understand their people and their needs? This is the acid test for leadership, and the ones who pass it are the true servant-leaders! So, what do we do to raise quality leaders? The second reading puts before us the example of Jesus Christ. He is the one who suffers on the cross to reconcile us to God. He sheds his life’s blood just for our sake. He lays down his life for us. He is the one who sacrifices for others’ interests. Certainly, this is not an easy task! Therefore, the great and people-minded leader, the servant-leader is the one who feeds the sheep rather than feed on them. Thus, selfishness is a signal to bad leadership.

Leadership is by influence. As Christians, are we able to inspire good leadership? Are we able to influence positively or negatively? Do we work simply as a duty or willingly and lovingly? Do we lead because of monetary benefits or that we want to bring people to the ‘promised land’? Are we ready to sacrifice for our followers? Do we allow our followers to lose their lives because we want to occupy political offices? Why would party followers die for aspiring candidates? Is it fair that people should lose their lives or be maimed because of elections? Let us pray that God may raise good leaders for us as he promised in the first reading. Let us also inspire and demand good leadership by our choices, but we must become the good leaders we expect others to be. Happy Sunday and may God bless us! Remember: #They-Are-Like-Sheep-Without-A-Shepherd#

By Rev. Fr. Lucas Binnah Junior