April 21, 2013: 4th Sunday of Easter (C)
In recent months one of the most common questions that people have been asking me is, “Father, what do you think about our new Pope Francis?” My reply, “Wow!” I have downloaded Pope App from the App Store since he was elected, and I have been reading his homilies and speeches daily. A priest in another part of the country shared the same sentiment, “I had five people in a week who were saying, ‘Pope Francis has inspired me to return to my faith. It’s pretty remarkable.” A police officer from Washington state who hasn’t been active in the church since college, said he saw more of himself in a pontiff who rides the bus and has spoken at length about the Catholic Church’s commitment to the poor: “I was shocked and amazed when he started doing those things — you know...Will I go back to church? I’m planning on it — if I can find a good service,” he added.
As we read or listen to his homilies and witness what he does, we get a sense that Pope Francis is a good shepherd. Perhaps it’s his humility. In the way he carries himself, we see how he desires to be identified with the rest of us, shunning honor and privileges. We also see simplicity in him. One of the Pope’s priest friend revealed that Cardinal Bergoglio woke up at 5AM to pray, personally made all his appointments without a secretary, and for supper, he ate an apple and drank a cup of tea before going to bed early. We also see tenderness and gentleness in him. We watched him wash the feet of 12 young people in a youth detention center on Holy Thursday. As the Pope went person by person, he washed and kissed their feet, looked each one in the eyes and left them with a big smile. What we see in Pope Francis is a man who reflects the qualities of Jesus the Good Shepherd--Jesus whose heart loved his flock to the point that he sacrificed sleep, lived simply, and treated those who were afflicted with tenderness and gentleness.
The image of Jesus as the Shepherd of the Father’s flock is one of the most beautiful images we have of him. This is how he described himself and his mission. Jesus made the most wonderful promises to those who belong to him. He said that none of them would ever be lost. No one would succeed in snatching from his care the sheep the Father entrusted to him. The sheep that belong to him would be safe because the Father’s power is in him. And he would lead them to the pastures of eternal life.
How can we tell if we truly belong to his flock? What does belonging entail? The first is to believe in him. Pope Francis said, “Accept the risen Jesus into your life. Even if you have been far away, take a small step towards him: he awaits you with open arms.” The second is to listen to him. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice.” Third is to follow him, as Jesus said, “My sheep follow me.” Pope Francis puts it this way, “Being a Christian is not just about following commandments: it is about letting Christ take possession of our lives and transform them.”
Obviously the relationship has to be two-way. The sheep have to choose to belong. Jesus won’t or can’t save people against their will. If we sincerely want and try to belong to him, however, then he will take care of us in life and death. It doesn’t mean that belonging to Jesus will guarantee us an easy life here on earth. Those who belong to him will undergo suffering and trials, but those who remain faithful will share in his glory in heaven. Trials and sufferings are an opportunity to prove one’s faith and obedience to the Lord.
Today we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Do we need more shepherds like Pope Francis? Absolutely! Pope Benedict beautifully said, “Today too, Jesus continues to say, 'Come, follow me.' Accepting his invitation means no longer choosing our own path. Following him means immersing our own will in the will of Jesus, truly giving him priority, giving him primary place in every area of our lives.” Some of us sitting here may have heard the call already, ‘Come, follow me.’ Today we pray for you. We ask St. Joseph and Blessed Mother to guide you on your path. Those who are called must be inspired by the lowly, concrete and faithful service which marked Saint Joseph and, like him, they must open their arms to protect all of God’s people and embrace with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison. May our prayers today help those who are called to priesthood and religious life to take the next concrete steps in answering Jesus’ call.
As we read or listen to his homilies and witness what he does, we get a sense that Pope Francis is a good shepherd. Perhaps it’s his humility. In the way he carries himself, we see how he desires to be identified with the rest of us, shunning honor and privileges. We also see simplicity in him. One of the Pope’s priest friend revealed that Cardinal Bergoglio woke up at 5AM to pray, personally made all his appointments without a secretary, and for supper, he ate an apple and drank a cup of tea before going to bed early. We also see tenderness and gentleness in him. We watched him wash the feet of 12 young people in a youth detention center on Holy Thursday. As the Pope went person by person, he washed and kissed their feet, looked each one in the eyes and left them with a big smile. What we see in Pope Francis is a man who reflects the qualities of Jesus the Good Shepherd--Jesus whose heart loved his flock to the point that he sacrificed sleep, lived simply, and treated those who were afflicted with tenderness and gentleness.
The image of Jesus as the Shepherd of the Father’s flock is one of the most beautiful images we have of him. This is how he described himself and his mission. Jesus made the most wonderful promises to those who belong to him. He said that none of them would ever be lost. No one would succeed in snatching from his care the sheep the Father entrusted to him. The sheep that belong to him would be safe because the Father’s power is in him. And he would lead them to the pastures of eternal life.
How can we tell if we truly belong to his flock? What does belonging entail? The first is to believe in him. Pope Francis said, “Accept the risen Jesus into your life. Even if you have been far away, take a small step towards him: he awaits you with open arms.” The second is to listen to him. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice.” Third is to follow him, as Jesus said, “My sheep follow me.” Pope Francis puts it this way, “Being a Christian is not just about following commandments: it is about letting Christ take possession of our lives and transform them.”
Obviously the relationship has to be two-way. The sheep have to choose to belong. Jesus won’t or can’t save people against their will. If we sincerely want and try to belong to him, however, then he will take care of us in life and death. It doesn’t mean that belonging to Jesus will guarantee us an easy life here on earth. Those who belong to him will undergo suffering and trials, but those who remain faithful will share in his glory in heaven. Trials and sufferings are an opportunity to prove one’s faith and obedience to the Lord.
Today we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Do we need more shepherds like Pope Francis? Absolutely! Pope Benedict beautifully said, “Today too, Jesus continues to say, 'Come, follow me.' Accepting his invitation means no longer choosing our own path. Following him means immersing our own will in the will of Jesus, truly giving him priority, giving him primary place in every area of our lives.” Some of us sitting here may have heard the call already, ‘Come, follow me.’ Today we pray for you. We ask St. Joseph and Blessed Mother to guide you on your path. Those who are called must be inspired by the lowly, concrete and faithful service which marked Saint Joseph and, like him, they must open their arms to protect all of God’s people and embrace with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison. May our prayers today help those who are called to priesthood and religious life to take the next concrete steps in answering Jesus’ call.
