Ordinary 16

Jesus shows compassion "for they were like sheep without a shepherd". While Jesus himself is our shepherd, he has left the Church to continue His work. Shepherding is called pastoring and comes from that same image.

The sheep of the Church as not as ignorant as they might have been in the past. They are highly educated in many areas. Perhaps their moral education is faulty. A good pastor discerns what needs to be built up. A good pastor will be a leader. Sheep (the real thing) are not good at taking care of themselves.

I prefer the image of "people of God" to sheep. It is a question of dignity. People can also be accountable and can change their behaviour.