EASTER SUNDAY IV “B”
MAY 2/3, 2009
In today’s gospel Jesus declares himself the “good shepherd” whose flock “hear his voice.” Hearing Jesus voice demands a response. That response is to follow Jesus. And following Jesus involves “laying down [our] life” for the sake of others. A tall order. Such hearing and response is possible because Jesus has already done it for us. Unlike the hired employee who does not own the flock, has no commitment to their welfare, and in the face of danger only thinks about his own safety, the good shepherd willingly sacrifices everything, even his life, to nurture, protect and prosper his flock. Shepherding is serious business. It means we cannot run away from those entrusted to our care. Shepherding in the model of Jesus is all about commitment.
Easter celebrates the commitment of Jesus. Jesus’ whole life, from the moment of conception in the womb of Mary to his final words of “it is finished” on the cross is one whole act of sacrifice, of commitment, of love for each of us. Now risen from the dead, Jesus continues his commitment to us as our shepherd through the sacraments of the church, most especially the Holy Eucharist. Each Mass, each reception of Holy Communion, is an experience of Jesus shepherding us as he offers himself to be consumed by us, so much does he love us and wants to live within us! No wonder the author of the first letter of St. John can proclaim in today’s second reading, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” Because of our communion with Jesus through the Blessed Sacrament we not only share in Jesus own intimate relationship with the Father as his Son, but also his mission as shepherd. Under the headship of Jesus our shepherd we the sheep of his flock are likewise called to shepherd one another.
Shepherding one another in the model of Jesus can take many forms. In the first place parents are the “primary teachers [shepherds] of their children.” Today as we once again rejoice with the children of our parish who for the first time fully participate in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist through the reception of the Blessed Sacrament, it is also a time for those who are parents to renew your commitment to active church life so that your words and example may continue to nurture and inspire these children whose innocence and pure faith we celebrate today. This weekend’s celebration of “Good Shepherd Sunday” is also a time to recognize teachers, police, fire and other emergency personnel, as well as the members of our military services, indeed anyone who offers themselves, even at the risk of their own life, in service to all of us. May Jesus the Good Shepherd also be your model and protector.
In a particular way this is the time of year in our parish when we are inviting and recruiting candidates to serve us in elected or appointed service on the Parish Council and Board of Education. Unlike elected political office with its often rancorous partisan driven agendas, service to the parish through its governance advisory bodies are ways in which Jesus calls members of his flock, to a particular “laying down” their lives for the sake of his flock in imitation of his own sacrifice. This is particularly true for our parish over the course of this coming year. This next year will be one of transition for our parish. In July Father Everett Hemann will assume the office of pastor. Please pray for Father Hemann as he prepares to assume pastoral care for you. Please pray for me as I prepare to assume that same care for the people at St. Cecilia’s in Ames.
In addition to a transfer of pastors, this next year will be most important as our parish governance bodies undergo a reorganization mandated by the Archbishop in order to better serve the mission of the church. If you have been, or are being, asked to be a candidate for lay parish leadership, you have been selected because others see you as someone who has gifts and talents that can help our parish now and in the years ahead. Yes, such service demands “laying down” one’s life, a reordering of commitments. As I reflect on my own move to a new parish, sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed, but recently when my mother asked me about all this I responded, “I believe God has called me. God will give me everything I need provided I don’t put myself or something else in the way.” God can, and will, do that for anyone who freely offers themselves to him in the model of Jesus the shepherd. He didn’t fail Jesus. He will not fail us.
“God, help us follow in faith the call of the shepherd you have sent for our hope and strength. Attune our minds to the sound of his voice, lead our steps in the path he has shown. Amen.”