True Shepherd and the Wolves
Peter Koenig, 20th century

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the Hebrew Bible, King David is famously depicted as a shepherd before he became king. His experiences as a shepherd informed his understanding of leadership, and in Psalm 23 he sings of God as his shepherd who leads him through the valleys and provides him with all that he needs.

This metaphor of God as a shepherd is a powerful one, and is echoed in Jesus' own teachings in John 10:1-10. Jesus portrays himself as the good shepherd who cares for his sheep, laying down his life for them and protecting them from harm. In contrast, he critiques the leaders of Israel as "thieves and bandits" who have failed to care for their people and seek only to exploit them.

This critique of false shepherds is a powerful one, and speaks to the importance of ethical leadership in all areas of our lives. Whether we are leaders in our communities, our workplaces, or our families, we must always remember that our role is to serve and care for those under our charge, rather than using them for our own benefit or abandoning them in times of need.

Furthermore, the image of the shepherd is also a reminder of our own vulnerability and dependence on others. Just as sheep rely on their shepherd for protection and guidance, we too rely on the support and care of others in order to thrive. As such, we should strive to cultivate compassion and kindness towards those around us, recognizing that we are all interconnected and that our well-being is ultimately linked to the well-being of the whole.

May we all strive to be good shepherds in our own lives, caring for and protecting those around us with wisdom and compassion, and following the example of Jesus as the ultimate model of ethical and caring leadership.