Pastor's Letter -- July 18, 2021

Greetings of peace and goodwill to you and your household!

The readings for this weekend focus on shepherds. The oracles of the prophet Jeremiah, in our First reading, are addressed to those shepherds who have not cared much for the sheep but for themselves. By so doing, they failed to mirror God’s benevolence to the sheep entrusted to them and presented a scary image of a shepherd that caused the sheep to fear and tremble. These shepherds are thus accused of scattering the flock. God then promises to give them shepherds who would care for them and gather them from all the places they have been scattered. Furthermore, the Lord promises to raise a righteous shoot to David who would govern with wisdom and justice. He would be called “The Lord our justice.” This name is a play on words, and serves to counter that of the weak king, Zedekiah, whose name means “The Lord is just.” In another chapter, God promises to give his people shepherds after his own heart “ Pastores dabo vobis” (Jeremiah 3:15). But no human shepherd could care for God’s sheep better than God would. So, God comes to care for his sheep by himself. We see this in the Gospel. Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecy of an eschatological shepherd, who cares for His followers who were like sheep without shepherd. In Jesus we see the incarnation of God who is the ideal shepherd of his people. 

The idea of shepherding might be strange to some of us, but not necessarily for those who grew up on a farm, or owned a flock. Maybe a trip to one of the Amish communities around might help us get a better picture of who shepherds are and what they do. We cannot deny the fact that the job of a shepherd is a very difficult one. There could be so many sheep in a herd, and the shepherd has to cater for each one. He has to know their names and relate to each one according to their need. The ideal shepherd knows the sheep, and the sheep know the shepherd’s voice. They answer when he calls, but would not answer the voice of a stranger. The sheep does not lead the shepherd; instead the shepherd leads them to green pasture. The shepherd is attentive. He knows when the sheep is happy, well-fed, hungry or sick. 

The sight of a shepherd should not be a scary one, but a joyful one. The sheep should not be afraid of their shepherd because a shepherd’s presence ought to signal security and provision. A shepherd provides, nourishes, protects, guides, and binds up. In the real sense, the title, shepherd, only acquires meaning in relation to the sheep. There would be no shepherd without a sheep. And the relationship that exists between shepherd and sheep ought to be mutually beneficial, not exploitative. While the shepherd ought to provide for the needs of the flock, the sheep in return provides food and clothing for the shepherd. The shepherds under fire from the Lord today neglected their responsibility to the sheep, but satisfied their own needs at the expense of the flock. They misled the flock and exposed them to predators. They plundered the flock without caring for them. As such, the flock was afraid and trembled at the sight of the shepherds. Their productivity was also impacted. Notice also that the flock of the pasture belonged to the Lord and not to the shepherds. The shepherds only held that office on behalf of the Lord. But when they failed the Lord calls them out, and promises to shepherd them himself.   

The sheep and shepherds in our readings, were, of course, symbols representing God’s people and their rulers. Just as there were rulers who put the interest of the people first, and over their own, there were also those who used the people for their own ends. In Jesus, God distinguishes Himself from the latter group. Jesus demonstrates God’s solicitude for the plight of his people. Where human leaders have plundered the people and not cared to bind them up, Jesus, the Good shepherd, tends to their need and even gave His life for them. 

This weekend, I will be installed as your Pastor. The word “pastor” comes from the Latin meaning shepherd. I will be officially installed shepherd of the faith community of St. Thérèse, Little Flower, Parish, South Bend, Indiana. By virtue of this office, I am charged with the pastoral and spiritual leadership of all that the Lord, in his providence, has gathered under the care of our heavenly patron, St. Thérèse. I ask your prayers that I will model my life after the Good Shepherd. That I will spend myself at the service of the Word and the Sacraments. That I will tend to the weak and sick, the aged and feeble, the young and strong, and gather together all those who are scattered. Pray that I will shepherd with the heart of the Good Shepherd, not wishing that anyone be lost, but with all patience and kindness seek out those who go astray. Ask the Lord to help me lead with humility, teach with courage, and correct in love. While you are at it, pray also that you will make my work as shepherd easy by being a good sheep. Pray that you will listen to my voice, and follow in my lead. In conclusion, pray that the Lord will help all of us to recognize whose flock we are, and in whose pasture we gather. We are the Lord’s; and he alone is our ideal shepherd. 

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you!

With blessings from my heart,