The Joyful Shepherd

Hebrews 13:17

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
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Our Catholic brothers and sisters have a new leader for their church; Pope Francis.  This is an exciting time of newness and cautious optimism over where the Holy Father will take their church.

It was very interesting to watch this process unfold over the past few weeks since Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement.  The secular media reported heavily on the scandals which have rocked the Catholic church over the past 20 years.  They report “there must be something nefarious at work.!”.

What’s not very interesting to the traditional media is the beauty and holiness of what is being handed down.  The men who serve as Pope become associated, as a direct apostolic decendant, with Peter, the first Pope, and one of Christ’s chosen; the man on whom Christ would build His church.

Everyone should focus on giving Francis the opportunity to be a good shepherd.  We want his service to be one of joy, with the focus not on him, but on Christ.

Father God, 

Throughout time, You have called servants into Your ministry and into Your message of love and forgiveness. 

We pray for Pope Francis and the work he will do to lead our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters.  Be with him in his ministry.  Give him a humble spirit, but instill in him a sense of discontent with the struggles of this church.   

Bring your spirit upon him, Lord, give him strength, perseverance, hope and let him see with clear eyes,  

We ask these things in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, 

Amen