Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Last Tuesday, I was sitting at the South doorsteps of the Church, waiting for those who might show up for the RCIA inquiry session. A parishioner drove up to the steps and handed me a Rallys food packet. It was a fish sandwich. Now, be honest with me. Do I really look that bad? Have I really become that pathetic?
I really believe that this parishioner was caring for me than feeding the homeless. I have no idea how he knew I was at the steps, but it was so heart-warming. Part of me was embarrassed but part of me was deeply touched. Somebody cared enough to break Rallys with me.
Today’s first and gospel reading are about shepherds and pastors. These are not scripture passages about which we can be proud. The readings are an indictment of Israel’s leaders. The social, political, economic, and religious life of the Israelites was so tightly integrated that, when Jeremiah says, “Woe to the shepherds” (Jer 23:1), both the civic and religious leaders of Israel were indicted. What was their crime? Jeremiah says, “You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them…” (Jer 23:2). Jesus’ reaction is even more poignant. Mark tells us that “his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mk 6:34).
In these readings, there is a tension between three realities. The first reality is the fact that Israel’s God-appointed shepherds, both in the Old Testament and New, have failed to exercise their responsibility. Not only did they not fulfil their obligations, but they have done harm to the flock and scattered them. The second reality is Jesus’ care for his disciples whom he had sent out to preach, to heal, and to drive away demons. Jesus had sent them out with no food, no bag, and nor money in the belt. When the disciples returned and reported to Jesus all they had done and taught, Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mk 6:31). However, Jesus and his disciples found it impossible to rest because the people were like sheep without a shepherd. And that is the third reality – the immensity of the task at hand. Where is the balance between unending work and rest?
Here are my three points for reflection:
Woe to the Shepherds that Scatter
Let me begin at the same place where today’s scripture begins. Jeremiah’s indictment of the shepherds is as relevant today as it was then. I am sorry to say this, but credibility of Catholic leadership is at its lowest. There are numerous reasons. The child abuse crisis is surely the most prominent reason. But there was also revelation that abusers continued to abuse because of systemic failure of our shepherds. I wish I could say that was it. From the Cardinal McCarrick’s case we know that shepherds were themselves predators. How many lives have been destroyed! How much faith has been damaged! How much trust has been shattered! More recently, the discovery of mass graves of indigenous children in Canada at boarding schools run by the State and Catholic organizations have revealed gross negligence. Add to all this the involvement of Catholic bishops and clergy in partisan politics! Catholic bishops and priests have donned ball caps and jerseys of their candidates and acted as if they speak for God and the Church. It is a disgrace! But most glaring is the lack of compassion and mercy on behalf of many of our shepherds. In the name of God, they have alienated those on the periphery of life and society.
Today, the numbers speak for themselves. I read that other day that in Germany 220,000 people left the Catholic Church in 2020. I am not sure if such data exists in the US, but if it did, the numbers would be as alarming. What Jeremiah said to the shepherds of his time, today, he says to shepherds of today: Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the LORD. You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds” (Jer 23:1-2).
I know I am going to fall woefully short, but today, I beg your forgiveness on behalf of the shepherds who have done harm to God’s flock. I hope you can find the grace to forgive us!
Shepherds that Care
let me change gears here a little bit. We must not forget that for every bad shepherd, there are ten good ones. I find great comfort in the papacy of Pope Francis. There are many other good shepherds who don’t always make the headlines, but quietly, they are the face of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. For example, these days, the Church in India is grieving the death of the Jesuit priest, Fr. Stan. The 84-year-old Fr. Stan Lourduswamy worked untiringly to empower the indigenous people and fought for their rights. The government accused him of being a Maoist Communist and arrested him. He was the oldest person to be charged of terrorism in India. All attempts to get him on bail was denied by the National Investigation Agency. On July 5, he died of COVID complications. Fr. Stan dedicated his life for the flock.
Today, while there might be shepherds who scatter the flock, there are also those who give them their all. And these are not just the civic and religious leaders. These are fathers and mother, principals and teachers, doctors and nurses, social workers and volunteers, parish staff and food pantry workers, and many others. Without these good shepherds who genuinely care for the people, church and society would be lost. Today, we support them, love them, and pray for them.
Offering Rest
I must admit, these days, I have felt like Jesus’ haggard disciples. The work in never-ending and rest is scarce. Last week I announced to you that I now have a third parish as we form a family of parishes. But I was also told this week, that the formation of the families of parishes is not complete. There is a very real possibility that our family of parish might include a fourth or even a fifth parish. A fish sandwich is not enough, folks! What else you got?
I am very hope-filled, however. I am prayerfully optimistic. My hope and optimism come from you. As people left Mass last week, numerous people stopped by and said, “What is your favorite kind of wine?” Numerous people offered to pray for me, to take me out to dinner, offer any help I needed, or simply said, “Please don’t forget to get some rest!” One of them even brought me a fish sandwich. Yes, that task is immense, but you can imagine how refreshing and lifegiving is all this.
Let me offer a first practical implication for this week. Is there anyone at home who could use a ‘fish sandwich’? Among those at home or those you know, who could use some caring? This week let us be Jesus, being sensitive to those who are tired, exhausted, and overworked. Tell them, “Come away, and rest awhile!” Let us make life easy for somebody.
Every celebration of the Eucharist is a time for us to return to Jesus like the disciples returned to Jesus and find rest and nourishment. Each week we come to Jesus with the labors and burdens of the week and place them at the altar. As we embrace the coming week, let us do so with rest and nourishment that Jesus offers. Let us also be rest and nourishment for others.
- Fr. Satish Joseph