Realistically, of course, somebody has to do it, for whatever motivation. I would like to think that at least some politicians have a high motivation for running for office, despite it’s burdens. There must be some politicians out there who sincerely believe that they can make the world a better place and are willing to take the flack that goes with the office. Some (many I hope) are sincerely concerned for the welfare of their brothers and sisters of their constituency. I hope this does not prove to be a naïve hope. If it is, then our world is in deeper trouble than I think it is already.

Despite the bad reputation that the world of politics often has, the individuals who use their office for their own ends, there is still something gratifying about being able to say that we have done something to make the world a better place, that we have brought order out of chaos, that the poor and the underprivileged have been served. Leadership, if it is chosen for a high motive, is a noble goal.

Given the complexity of human communities, of course, leadership is an absolute necessity. Fortunately, there always seems to be some individual or individuals who rise to the top and pledge to do their best for the commonweal. Nonetheless, high motivation would seem to be required; otherwise chaos and harm will ensue.

Perhaps not many politicians think about their motivation, but if they were to do so, I would suggest that they think about being shepherds. I know that is not a very acceptable term today because most folks in the community do not like to think of themselves as aimless sheep; people who need someone else to run their lives for them.

Nonetheless, shepherding is an ancient and honorable profession. Although in our time that occupation is limited to a few individuals, the shepherd’s task has a wider implication as a metaphor for anything that involves caring for someone or for many.

Whether we reflect on it or not, there are many natural shepherds among us: Parents, teachers, social workers, political leaders, spiritual directors, bishops and pastors…popes even! Each one needs to be concerned regarding a different flock. But, ultimately their task to make sure that good order prevails and that people are served in whatever manner is important to them. In short, shepherding is an intimate part of life in the world. Without someone at the helm, life becomes unlivable.

It is not unlikely then that Jesus should have chosen shepherd as a model for the vocation he felt attracted him.

When you re-read the gospel we just proclaimed, for instance, you get the sense that Jesus did not have much patience with the spiritual leadership of his time. Spiritually, those whose task it was to do this very thing were not caring for people. Indeed, he uses some pretty tough language for those entrusted with temple or synagogue leadership: He calls them “thieves and robbers.” I’m sure that is a reference to the temple taxes that the poor had to pay for simple sacrifices. He also calls them “strangers” because no one in the flock is listening to them.

So, what then is Jesus’ model for leadership? What is a model that will fit our times, whether spiritual or secular?

The metaphor Jesus uses best is this: “The shepherd walks ahead of the sheep; they hear his voice and follow him.” “Walking ahead,” obviously refers to good leadership. People, who look for leadership, look ahead not behind. Natural leaders are consistently “out front” of the flock, always thinking ahead, always looking for ways to make sure everyone is on the same page. Anyone who wants to be a leader needs to take charge and not wait for someone else to take responsibility. Responsibility goes with the job.

Another implication in Jesus’ reference to being a leader is trust: Unless the people you lead have implicit trust in you and your leadership, you will never be successful.

And a third implication in Jesus model of shepherd is respect. If you have no respect for those who look to you for leadership, if you are using people for your own ends, you will eventually fail. People will see through that very quickly.

And finally what seems implied in Jesus’ model is dedication: If you don’t want to work hard, if you don’t want to spend long hours figuring out what your people need most, you will not be fulfilling your task and responsibility.

In the end, of course, we would need to say that being a shepherd, a leader has many gratifying moments: If only one person on a given day feels that his or her life has been made better because of your efforts, then you should feel good about that. Your shepherding has been a model of God’s grace.

Hey, maybe that would be a good motive to run for office in the next election. Think of the good you could do.

The scriptures: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 2 20b-25; John 10: 1-10