Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The theme of God’s abundant and tireless love, compassion, and mercy is obvious throughout today’s readings. In our first reading, from Ezekiel, the detailed descriptions of the pastures and grazing grounds sound delightful, like places I have only seen in pictures. They call to me as places I want to go in order to rest and be cared for by the shepherd. Certainly, it does not sound like some of the places I see every day. The graffitied bridges, the boarded up houses, the scars of a poverty-ridden city and an entire earth feeling the effects of climate change. But there are pockets of green pastures for us all, right? For me, in my home, with my family, in my work, in my church. On the best days, when we can look beyond our sinful decisions or attitudes, when we can look at each other and care for each other with the love and kindness of our good God, then it feels like we are truly home, in the shepherd’s pasture.
Our second reading and Gospel remind us that even while we were still sinners, Christ fully saw us and still died for us. When we are lost, God, our Lord and Shepherd, will come out to find us. And when he finds us, he will not drag us back by the tip of our ear or admonish us for getting lost, but he will lift us up, set us on his shoulders, and celebrate with us.
What a remarkable image and example. On my best days, I want to create green pastures for others here on earth. I want to go out in search of the one lost sheep, or find my way back when I am the one who is lost. And while we have a role to play among the sheep, I am also reminded that the Lord is the Shepherd, not me. In our first reading, the Lord God says, “I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest.” God is not calling me to be the Shepherd. God is not calling me to judge whether other sheep are lost, but to love all of the sheep and celebrate when one returns with the Shepherd.
If we are among the ninety-nine, left in the desert, we are called to love and care for each other here, to the best of our ability. Our work here on earth, in our families, our jobs, our churches, and neighborhoods is a work of the Spirit. The Lord is the Shepherd.
Peace,
LeeAnn Meyer