In today’s first reading we see the love and care St. Paul had for his community. His instructions to the leaders are the same as Christ’s. Therefore we should understand the importance of a shepherd’s responsibility. It is only with sin-cere love and care that we can protect and build up the sheep entrusted to us. Jesus’ final prayer to God the Father says it all. We need to be protected from false teachings of the world and protect our loved ones from destruction. If we abide in the “truth” ,which is his word, we will not perish or be lost. Let us strive to become the kind of leaders that God expects us to be, by taking our responsibilities seriously and above all else, love like Christ loves us. We will then be able to protect ourselves, our families, children, and friends from getting carried away by false teachings of the world. May the light of God’s word and the Holy Spirit guide us to the true Shepherd. Let us build up God’s kingdom in and through love.

PRAYER: Abba Father, give us your Spirit to build your kingdom here, and to glorify your Son. Amen.