Karl Barth, a famous German theologian is quoted as saying that ministers should have “the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.” I think what he meant is if you want to lead people, you have to know them, you have to understand what is going on in their lives, to pay attention to what they are experiencing and feeling. In our scripture readings this weekend, the theme of shepherding, of compassionate leadership, plays a prominent role.
Last Sunday we heard how Jesus sent the disciples out two by two on a mission to preach, to cure the sick, and to heal those in need. This weekend, we encounter the disciples as they return from their mission and Jesus, the Good Shepherd, senses their need to rest. Jesus invites the disciples to come with him to a quiet place where they can rest and reflect upon their experiences, to spend quiet time in the loving presence of Jesus.
However, as they make their way to the “secluded place, crowds of people from many different places and life experiences had already gathered, waiting for them, wanting to be near to Jesus. Rather than sending the people away, we are told that Jesus was “moved with pity for them for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.”
We find in Jesus the model of compassionate leadership of which Karl Barth referred and to which this world hungers. Anyone what has exercised leadership, whether it be in the workplace, family, community, or in the Church knows it is difficult to bring people together, to heal division, and to bring hope. Yet, each one of us is called to exercise compassionate leadership in our own unique way, wherever we find ourselves.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forever more.