Three Great Insights about a Good Shepherd
A Good Shepherd Leads out in front, taking the sheep somewhere they don’t know how to get to.
A Good Shepherd lives amongst his flock, in the middle of them, he smells like the sheep he leads.
A Good Shepherd is behind his flock, taking care of the sheep that need extra help.
In his latest Sunday Sermon video for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, often referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday, Bishop Barron shares profound insights into what it means to be a true shepherd of the flock. Released on April 20, 2024, this video draws on a rich tradition of pastoral leadership, emphasizing characteristics that define a good shepherd.
Bishop Barron, known for his eloquent discourse, turns to Pope Francis’s teachings to delineate a shepherd’s role. According to Pope Francis, a good shepherd is someone who is not only ahead of the flock, leading the way, but also amidst them, deeply integrated into their lives, so much so that he “smells like the sheep.” This imagery vividly portrays a leader who lives and breathes the daily realities of those he guides. Furthermore, a good shepherd positions himself behind the flock as well, caring for those who lag behind due to injury or weariness.
One of the most captivating points Bishop Barron discusses, which resonated deeply with me, is the notion that a good shepherd leads the flock to places they do not know and cannot reach on their own. This leadership calls for a profound trust from the flock, a reliance on the shepherd’s vision and knowledge of paths untrodden. This metaphor extends beautifully to spiritual guidance, where the faithful are led towards spiritual realms and truths they are yet to understand or discover
The shepherd leads the flock to unfamiliar destinations they cannot reach alone, requiring the sheep to fully trust their guide’s wisdom and direction.
Bishop Barron’s sermon is a call to all leaders, whether in spiritual or secular arenas, to embody these attributes. To lead effectively is to be deeply intertwined with the lives of those you guide, to ensure no one is left behind, and to have the courage to chart courses into the unknown. On this Good Shepherd Sunday, his message is a powerful reminder of the selfless and forward-looking nature of true leadership.
For anyone interested in a deeper understanding of pastoral care or leadership principles, Bishop Barron’s video provides a thoughtful and inspiring perspective. It’s a message that transcends the boundaries of religion and speaks to the heart of compassionate leadership.
Jesus counters and reverses the Shame & Blame
