Feed my Sheep

Scholars have mused a great deal over the Gospel of today, from John 21, whereas Jesus will ask Peter three times, whether he loves him.  Some claim it is because of the three-fold denial by Peter, while others will claim Jesus is setting forth instruction for the early Church; ie feeding, caring, tending.  In my great scholarship I like to think that sometimes it takes asking the same question three times to finally have a sincere and truthful answer.

In Isaiah 40 God is conveyed as the shepherd who takes care of the flock, and like in Psalm 23, pastures them with great care and compassion.  Later in 1 Peter 5, St. Peter instructs his community that the role of the shepherd, ie Bishop, must be one of love, care, and mercy.  Leadership is tempered with justice and love for those that one serves.

In the early description of the Christian community, as found in Acts, we see a group that are single minded and full of Paschal joy.  But where two or more are gathered we have conflicts, misunderstandings, and challenges.  More so, this early group of believers, not unlike today, has folks who have been part of the faith revealed to them by the apostles, while others are barely starting their faith journey.  So first the shepherd needs to be patient, kind, and a good teacher.  Second, as the believer grows they need to understand that so to do the challenges of faith.

Shepherding and Pastoring have never been easy tasks.  Like Paul in the readings of these last few days, some will always be offended by the Gospel message and want to destroy the messenger.  It is tempting to water down the message, but it is not being faithful.  The more we grow into our roles as faith-filled, baptized and confirmed Christians, the more and the greater responsibility we have in life.  This is a scary prospect.  But we are given the gift of the Spirit to sustain us and give us courage in our shepherding endeavors.

Make no doubt about it, the Shepherds and Pastors of our Church have an important role in the Church today.  But then again so do moms and dads who are responsible for the faith of their children, and married couples who are sacramental signs each day.  It is easy to become distracted.  So we need to be asked several times by Jesus, until we are really paying attention - Do you love me?