By Jonathan Camiolo

 

Some people would say that there are two types of people; there are leaders and there are followers.  It is a belief that some people just cannot lead because they tend to always need someone to follow.  I would agree that there are a lot of people that like to please those around them and fit in so badly that they tend to “go with the flow” and are seen as followers.  There also does seem to be people that naturally lead and draw people to them.  They are the trailblazers.  Others are leaders because of their position in life.  The fact that they are leaders does not mean they are good to follow.  They could lead those that follow them to danger or confusion.

 

I like to believe that in many ways, all of us are capable of being leaders.  Someone is always watching all of us and therefore each of us is influencing the people and environment we are a part of.  I also believe that everyone should be a follower, because we all need to have an example to live by.  We are all better of finding good examples, from the present or the past, whose lives we would like to emulate.  This is more important for the natural “leaders” in my opinion than anyone else.  

 

Last week, the readings spoke of a shepherd, the “Good Shepherd”, one that would die for his flock.  The Good Shepherd leads his flock by his example.  We are his flock, and need to listen for his voice.  If we follow him, he will lead us to a safe place, a place where we will find life.  He will lead us to his home.  The Good Shepherd’s home is heaven.  As it says in the gospel this week, He has prepared a place for us there.

 

One man that has followed the Good Shepherd is Pope Benedict XVI.  This week he is coming to Washington, DC and New York to lead his people of the United States of America.  He is a world leader.  He has the position and gifts that allow him to lead the Catholic Church and the 1.2 billion members.  He also has influence among all world leaders in spiritual and political circles.  He is the perfect example of a leader that follows.  He is our shepherd here on earth, leading us the Good Shepherd that he looks to for wisdom, example and inspiration.  

 

Lets pray for our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI this week in a special way.  May he be inspired.  May he lead us all to the place that Jesus, the Good Shepherd has prepared for us.  Think.  PRAY.  Decide.  Change.  God Loves You!