A recent trip to Lowe’s inspired this week’s homily reflection. I went to the store looking for a widget. I knew what I was looking for but was not sure what it is called. So, in going up and down some of the aisles, a clerk came up and asked: “You look lost. Can I help you?” “Lost” was definitely the right word. I told him that I wasn’t sure what the widget is called, but I would know it when I see it. This helpful clerk asked me a few questions and accompanied me to the sought-after item.

Do I dare say that I felt like the lost sheep roaming around until the clerk, the good shepherd acted like the Good Shepherd of today’s Gospel and came to my rescue and led me where I belonged. By the way, he was not the first person to tell me where to go!

In today’s Gospel, Jesus compares the crowds following him as sheep without a shepherd. While not a compliment, that analogy accurately described the people then, but, unfortunately, it also describes many people and societies of today – lost, trying to find their way, roaming here and there.

In an effort to find a leader or a direction in life, some will look to politicians who claim for themselves the ability to cure all difficulties in society. Others may seek substances which, they believe, will deaden the pain they experience in facing the realities of life. Still others may remain tough but blame others and complain to others but do nothing.

In reality, there exists but one solution – follow the Good Shepherd and face life the way Jesus sees the world. Jesus sees people, the sheep, as valuable, but needing redemption, thirsting for direction. He knows that he can guide the sheep, but the sheep need to follow his direction, his example and his teaching.

Life is not a spectator sport. Life as a disciple of Christ can make us active participants in the “game of life” with the guarantee of ultimate victory, if not now, but certainly into eternal life.

To guide the wandering sheep of the world, leaders are needed to carry on Jesus’ ministry. Jesus chose twelve sheep, morphed them into shepherds, and commissioned them to teach his message and guide people to understand and make the message part of their lives. Jesus chose sheep to become shepherds. In fact, that same process has been followed from the time of Jesus to our present day.

The Church also takes very seriously what we call the “Great Commission: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18–20). Even though the clergy act upon this commission, Jesus invites all members of the Church in their own ways to fulfill this commission.

So, the bottom line is simple.

If you are a wandering sheep, look to the Shepherd, Jesus. In your search, the Church’s ministers and teachings can provide the leadership. Also, even if you are wandering sheep right now, maybe the Good Shepherd is calling you to be one of his ordained shepherds, a priest or deacon. Listen for the voice of the Shepherd.