I read the following joke recently:
"One Sunday a minister preached about shepherds. He explained that sheep need lots of guidance, and that a shepherd's job is to stay close to the sheep, protect them from wild animals, and keep them from wandering off. He said that the people of the church were God's sheep. Then he asked, "If you are the sheep, who is the shepherd?" (He was pretty obviously indicating himself.) After a few seconds, a young boy piped up: "Jesus! Jesus is the shepherd." The minister, caught by surprise, asked, "Well, then, who am I?" The boy frowned thoughtfully. "I guess you must be a sheep dog." " Cute story, right? But it was also a strong reminder to me to remember that I am NOT "the" shepherd.... I am a sheep dog... and when I start to think that I am the leader, the protector, the teacher, the care-taker, The Shepherd, then trouble follows.... Sure, I need to put in the effort and might be called to help with any of those roles but my ego cannot take the lead. I cannot think that I do these things for my own glory (accolades, awards, titles, etc.) But it must be my willingness to show Christ to others, the share Church with others, to be one-with-Christ as I serve others. As the Gospel of John reports that John the Baptist said: He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30) In Galatians, chapter 2 verse 20, we read: "I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me." Dear Lord, please help me lessen my own ego, to allow more and more room for your love to fill my heart so that it spills out to all those around me... and I can help others see the love you have for them as well. Help me to help you "round up your sheep" and keep them safe in your loving protection and guidance. Help me to be one of you sheepdogs!
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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