PRAY FOR THE SHEPHERDS

Matthew 9:32-38

Why does the sheep need a shepherd? Three reasons:

First, the sheep needs a shepherd because the sheep is a shortsighted animal. It can see only up to its nose. Thus, the sheep may wander and easily get lost. Without a shepherd, the sheep goes astray from the fold it belongs to. The shepherd is an indispensable guide for the sheep. He is the “eye” of the sheep for things beyond its sight.

Second, the sheep needs the shepherd because the sheep is a very meek animal and, therefore, an easy prey to wild animals. The sheep cannot defend itself. It needs a shepherd to protect if from the beasts that salivate for its flesh and blood. Without a shepherd, the sheep dies and ends up in the bowels of predators.

Third, the sheep needs a shepherd because the sheep needs to be pastured. The sheep does not know where greener pastures are. Without a shepherd, the sheep is not only lost and in danger; it also starves. The shepherd feeds the sheep.

To lead, to protect and to feed – these are the three reasons why the sheep needs a shepherd.

But what if the shepherd himself leads the sheep astray because he himself is lost? What if the shepherd himself poses a danger to the sheep because he himself is in weak? What if the shepherd himself feeds on his sheep because he himself is starving? We know this happens: those to whom the sheep is entrusted are themselves who violate the sheep. The shepherd himself may have gone astray, may be in danger, and may be tempted to feast on the flesh of his sheep.

Today, let us pray for the shepherds even as we pray for their sheep. The responsibilities placed on the fragile shoulders of the shepherds are tremendous. Let us pray for shepherds according to the heart of Christ who is the Good Shepherd. May every shepherd become to us what Jacob uttered when he wrestled with the angel through the night, “Peniel”, which in Hebrew means, “Face of God”.