Our Venerable Father Eumenes, Bishop of Gortyna, Wonderworker.
Post-feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
Galatians 3:23-4:5; Mark 6:30-45.
Read Mark 6:30-45
Alexander the Great once said he feared an army of sheep led by a lion more than an army of lions led by a sheep. Leadership matters. And in Mark 6:30–45, Jesus shows us what true leadership looks like. We can remember it with one word: LEAD.
L – Look after your people. When the apostles return weary from their mission, Jesus doesn’t demand more work. He says, “Come away… and rest a while.” A leader cares for his people’s well-being, not only their output.
E – Empathize with needs. Their rest is interrupted by a crowd. Jesus does not resent them but has compassion, for they are like sheep without a shepherd. True leaders meet real needs, even when inconvenient.
A – Act in faith. When the disciples urge Jesus to send the crowd away, He replies, “You give them something to eat.” Leaders see possibilities where others see scarcity. Five loaves and two fish, blessed and broken, become more than enough.
D – Direct with order. Jesus seats the people in groups of fifty and a hundred. Even miracles flow best when there is structure. Leadership brings clarity, not chaos.
And what is the result? All eat and are satisfied, and twelve baskets overflow—abundance where once there was nothing.
The world exalts leaders like Alexander who conquered by the sword. But Christ conquers by shepherding His people with rest, compassion, faith, and order.
So when you wonder how to guide your family, your parish, or even yourself, remember this: to LEAD as Christ leads is to Look after, Empathize, Act in faith, and Direct with order. Follow Him, and He will make you a lion in the service of the Lamb.