For years, I taught the Bible to my children in fifteen-minute morning sessions before leaving for work. Looking at their little faces, I often recalled Jesus' quote about sheep without a shepherd. Jesus' response to shepherdless sheep is to teach them at great length, and so I imitated Him. Another editor of this booklet attended Presentation Ministries' 12-week course on How to Teach the Bible. When asked his reasons for taking the course, he replied that he wanted to teach his children the Scriptures. As Jesus did, this father also responded by teaching the Scriptures.

The world is filled with sheep without a shepherd. People respond in many ways. Some responses are unthinking and uncharitable: apathy, escapism, criticism, condemnation, exploitation, etc. However, as disciples of Jesus, we imitate His response, which was to immediately teach the shepherdless sheep at great length (Mk 6:34). He followed that by feeding them physically (Mk 6:41-42).

Look around you. Where are the sheep Jesus has put in your life? Are they sitting at your dinner table, sharing your bedroom, in neighboring cubicles, houses, or pews? You can respond to them unthinkingly and uncharitably, or you can respond as Jesus did by teaching them at length. The sheep are waiting for your response. "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care" (1 Pt 5:2). Jesus says: " 'Do you love Me?' Teach and 'feed My sheep' " (Jn 21:17).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012

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