Smell like the sheep

The texts today from the Roman CatholicLectionary bring together examples of leadership as the Church commemorates the Chair of St Peter. The first letter of Peter describes the way the elders must shepherd the flock of the Church using the example of the Christ, the Chief Shepherd. The way in which Pope Francis has described the role of the shepherd today is cited by Phil Lawler as “shepherds who have the smell of their sheep.” The twenty third psalm is six verses of Sacred Scripture which allows us to imagine the intimate relationship which God wishes to share with His sheep. The Gospel from Matthew returns us to the location of Caesarea Philippi where a few days ago we read in the Gospel of Mark about Peter’s proclamation of his understanding of Jesus identity. In Matthew, the revelation to Peter is proclaimed by Jesus as coming from the Father and in the geographic surroundings of rocks and pagan worship in the area Jesus identifies Peter as the rock upon which He will build a Church. Friar Jude Winkler notes the use of the Greek word for Church at this time and the words in Matthew, written for a Jewish audience, which transfer to Peter the rabbinical responsibility to bind and loose. The ancient description reads “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—   they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). Rod and staff, loose and bind the Shepherd is wrapped in the smell of the sheep.