Jeremiah 23:1-6

By RH

      A shepherd is so important to a flock of sheep. He keeps them from being entangled in bushes, he keeps them from fields that have poisonous grasses, he keeps the wolves away even at the risk of his own life, he leads them to safety and shelter.

      Parents are like shepherds - keeping the children safe and healthy, even at the expense of their own lives. If a child is hurt or sick, every parent would gladly change places with them rather than see their children suffer. Parents have to guide children away from danger - such as hot stoves and traffic. As they grow older, parents guide children in their friendships and relationships.

      Those in the Church who teach and preach are also shepherds, guiding the flock on the way to eternal life. In this reading from Jeremiah, God says “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock…I will take care to punish your evil deeds.” There is a huge responsibility for anyone who is in the position of shepherding and leading.