From Phil Clark, Diocesan Cursillo Coordinator:
In thankful memory of my little sister, Pamela Clark King.
Scripture Focus
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27
Reflection
Some time ago I was with a group of leaders who considered this question: Which qualities of leadership are most essential for a leader? The Gospel of John offers a clear and holy answer. True leadership begins by looking into the mirror of our own lives and asking whether others can see the image of Jesus reflected there.
John begins by revealing Jesus as the Word who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things came to be. Before Jesus leads anyone else, He is perfectly united with the Father. His authority flows from communion, love, obedience, and surrender. He does not seek His own will, but the will of the One who sent Him.
Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus shows us leadership that is rooted not in power for its own sake, but in faithful following. He receives all from the Father, welcomes those who come to Him, feeds them as the Bread of Life, calls them as the Good Shepherd, and prays that they may be one just as He and the Father are one. Again and again, Jesus teaches us the same truth:
The best leader is first a faithful follower.
Jesus’ way is simple, but it is not small. To follow Him means to love as He loves, obey as He obeys, and trust the Father as He trusts. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our words, choices, relationships, and service. It means asking not, “How can I lead others to myself?” but “How can my life point others to Christ?”
The Cursillo call to help “change the world to Christ” begins here: with a person surrendered to Jesus. We cannot lead people into an encounter with Christ if we are not ourselves following closely behind Him. We cannot reflect His light unless we first turn our faces toward Him.
So today, hear again the voice of the Shepherd:
“Follow me.”
Let His will become your way. Let His love become your witness. Let His obedience become your model. And when leadership is asked of you, begin where Jesus began—in the Father’s will, in humble service, and in love.
Reflect
- When others look at your life, what image of Jesus do they see reflected?
- Where is God calling you to follow before you try to lead?
- How can your leadership point others more clearly to Christ?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me to follow You before I seek to lead others. Shape my heart according to the Father’s will. Let my words, actions, and relationships reflect Your love. Help me hear Your voice, trust Your way, and guide others toward a deeper experience with You. In Your holy name, I live and pray. Amen.