But Jesus longs to be known. Sheep have some knowledge of their shepherd, but only as much as sheep can know. It is very costly for a shepherd who undertakes to care for sheep, and it is very costly for a mother caring for little children. It is not just one act of laying down one's life. A pastor or minister who serves as an under-shepherd should expect to be hurt and walked on from time to time.
People easily misunderstand, ascribe motives, say harsh things.
A necessary part of the task is being willing to absorb and defuse the hurt in one's own body. I have had an easy time here at St. John's church, but then I am only here as your interim for five months. Throughout my time at St. James' Church for eleven years there was a fellow we all loved and cared for, but he would get into a towering rage if he was crossed, or we didn't give an announcement he thought was important. One day he took a swing at me, I ducked, and his hand went right through one of the windows in the side door. He went to emergency, dripping blood all the way.