Not for hire

SOMEONE once said that when you are worried and cannot sleep, try counting sheep. A Christmas carol goes further and says that when you're weary and cannot sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep. But the best advice is the one which says that when you're weary and cannot sleep, instead of counting your blessings or sheep, try talking to the Shepherd instead.

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In today's Gospel (Jn. 10, 11-18) Jesus introduces Himself to us as the Good Shepherd. The bottom line is that He is a good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. In other words, He is not a shepherd for hire, but a shepherd for life. He is a shepherd not for the money or for the show, but for real.

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Jesus could have called Himself the Good Manager, but he chose to be called the Good Shepherd. Why? Because a good manager is simply that -- one who manages. It is not that a manager is lacking in zeal; a manager, more often than not, is a hard worker. In fact, a manager is so overwhelmed with work at times that he can hardly manage (no pun intended).

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The first thing about the shepherd is that he has time or he makes time for his sheep. While a manager will find ways and means to manage his time, the shepherd is committed to be really present all the time, if not, most of the time. For a true shepherd, presence is something that is non-negotiable and cannot be delegated.

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The second thing about a shepherd is that he gives quality time. The manager, precisely because he is in the business of managing, will sometimes go to the extent of managing even people, their feelings, their perceptions. He tries to "make up for lost time." But sooner or later, his lack of commitment and dedication will show. Yes, a manager can fool some people sometimes, but he soon finds out that he cannot fool all the people, all the time.

The good shepherd, on the other hand, goes about his task with no stress and in peace precisely because he knows, and his people know, that he is really there for them.

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The third thing about a shepherd is that he works overtime. A manager, precisely because he is a manager, is very calculating and exacting of time. For a manager, time is a precious commodity that is seen in terms of productivity and output. His constant battle cry is accomplishing the most, with the least effort and within the shortest time. He will rarely go for overtime.

The shepherd, on the other hand, sees time also as a precious commodity, but in terms of input and love. He does not take short-cuts. He waits patiently. And he does not mind working overtime. He really doesn't have a battle cry. He only has a song: "What is time without love? What is love without time?"

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The final thing about a shepherd is that he'll be there "till the end of time." A manager is concerned about projects, deadlines, returns on investment, quotas and timetables. He is for the "short time" only.

A shepherd, on the other hand, is committed for the long haul. His project is for a lifetime. His deadline is eternity. His return on investment is out of this world, and his timetable is forever. He is for the "long time." He is for daily dying to self and even for death itself. He is for forever.

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So, who are you, a manager or a shepherd? Whatever you are -- a parent, a teacher, a priest, a pastor, religious leader, a government leader -- the choice is yours. You can be a wise and effective manager, or a good and loving shepherd. It would be ideal to be both.

And do you know who among us comes closest to the ideal? A mother! Happy Mother's Day! May God bless all mothers who are not only wise and effective managers but good and loving shepherds as well.

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They say that on the sixth day of creation, God had to work overtime. Why? Because he had to work extra hard to meet all the specifications and requirements for a person who will become a mother, one who will be responsible for many super-human tasks and lots of super-human loving. The final touch was when He gave mothers a heart so close to His Heart and so like His Heart.

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"So many gods, so many creeds, so many paths to take. So many speeches, so many opinions... While just the art of being kind is all this sad world needs." I don't know where this quotation came from, but I think I will not be far from the mark when I say that this came from a mother's heart.

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Today, let us remember our mothers wherever they are. With all their difficulties and limitations, they somehow managed to raise us and provide for our future. Only God knows what love and sacrifices they have done. Today, let us remember them and pray for them with deep gratitude.

For those of who are so lucky to still have mothers around, please tell them how much you love and appreciate them. A visit, a phone call, a gift, or simply a hug will make the most wonderful person in the world smile. And don't forget also the mother of us all, the Blessed Mother, our Mother for all time.

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A moment with the Lord: Lord, help me to be a person generous with time and quality time, and to love overtime for a lifetime, till the end of time. Amen.