Feeling A Little Sheepish
Coordinator of
Religious Education
~ “The sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.”
Most of us have been taken in by fast-talkers and con artists at some time in our lives. I think it is because we want to believe the best about others. It’s just unthinkable to people of integrity and loving hearts that someone would deliberately manipulate and harm others for their own selfish ends. I can remember a few times when I have felt a little sheepish after having been duped.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a good leader and a bad leader. That’s because a person with leadership qualities can be very persuasive. A leader can convince others that he or she truly cares about them and has their best interests at heart. Sometimes leaders are effective by appealing to our deepest fears and insecurities.
Sometimes in life, we are called to be leaders. But most of the time, we are expected to follow. Even the greatest leaders among us are called to be sheep following the shepherd’s voice. Recognizing the voice and words of the true shepherd is the tricky part. Like the leaders of Jesus’ day, those who spend the most time and energy persuading, controlling, and maneuvering are not the leaders who should be followed. It is the gentle, compassionate, merciful shepherd who is worthy of our attention. Jesus’ example of leadership was never coercive or demeaning to any human being. To recognize the Word of God, present in the midst of so many false voices, we need to stop, listen carefully, and then pray for wisdom. Upon recognizing the voice of the true shepherd, we can follow with confidence, not feeling sheepish at all.
Easter peace.
Throughout the year, we present an article in the bulletin each week on a variety of topics, written by a member of our Parish staff or ministries on a rotating basis.
