Ordinary 16

How does a shepherd fulfill his obligations to the sheep? Is it enough to lead by example? For real sheep that works. Do the sheep of the Church distinguish the fine points of a good example? I beleive they get most of the message. Is that enough?

What is the obligation of a shepherd to those sheep who do not want to be led? Sheep will stray. On our last rip to Ireland we got an example of how sheep dogs work to gather the sheep. It was impressive. The sheep often roam at large, few fenses to limit them. Shepherds give them wide latitude but still can find their sheep. How much wandering will God allow?