Albert Schweitzer says there are three ways to teach a child: 1) good example (2) good example (3) good example. But the sad commentary of our world today is that it is replete with bad examples and bad leadership. The unfortunate consequence of this state of affairs is that the followers also take after their leaders’ bad behaviour for when the elders take rotten grapes, the children’s teeth are set on edge (Jeremiah 31:29). This is why the world needs good mentors as credible witnesses.

The passage from the gospel of the day referring to Jesus’ compassionate posture towards the multitude described as sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34), could be attributed to a situation of quality rather than quantity. There were numerous teachers and preachers of the gospel littered all over the globe, but true shepherds and” inspirational mentors” in word and deed who practiced what they preached are few. The words of Pope Paul VI of blessed memory come to mind: “The world listens to witnesses rather than teachers. If they do listen to teachers, it is because they were first of all witnesses”.

We are therefore called in our different capacities to be good shepherds in terms of mentoring and good followers as well in terms of being “ready listeners”.

To be a good shepherd is to be a good mentor. We need mentors not godfathers. We need inspirers. Are you ready beloved to stand up and be counted as a mentor in terms of being a true ambassador for Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:20)? When the disciple is ready, the master appears.