Fourth Sunday of Easter
In India, the head priest of parish is called “parish priest”, and his associate is called “assistant parish priest”. In the US, the title for the head priest is “Pastor.” In India, it is the Protestants who call their leaders Pastor. I am torn between the two titles. Parish Priest feels more Catholic. But I also like Pastor because it is more consistent with the New Testament concept of Christian leadership. It is more in line with the way Jesus describes his life and ministry. In today’s gospel reading Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd” (Jn 10:11).
When I was ordained a priest, I never thought I would be a Pastor. I was ordained for mission work. I was to travel from parish to parish preaching retreats and missions. Not only did I not imagine being a pastor, but I certainly never imagined that I would be the Pastor of five parishes. This is a whole new way of pastoring.
I would like to share three ways in which I read “good shepherd” in the new context of Family of Parishes.
A Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life
For Jesus, the golden standard for a good shepherd is, “A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep” (Jn 10:11). I interpret this as radical selflessness. When I first arrived in the US twenty-four years back, I served in a parish in St. Louis with Msgr. Nicholas Schneider. He said to me one time, “When I die, I want to be well-spent.” I have kept that at the back of mine since then. In the context of Beacons of Light, I think being a good shepherd means to be ready to be well spent, to work tirelessly, and to be present to the community in ways that are totally new. It means to care for each person in a genuine and wholesome way, to dedicate myself to our collective future, and to ensure that our communities are viable locations for Catholicism.
Radical selflessness must also be accompanied by genuine love. Genuine love is to love like the “Good Shepherd” loves – giving his all for the flock. There are times I am successful at this and there are times I fall short. But I do know this – that whether I call myself the parish priest or pastor, that Jesus, the Good Shepherd is my model.
One Flock
Today’s gospel reading has a vision not just for pastors but also for God’s people. Jesus verbalizes this vision in these words, “…there will be one flock, one shepherd” (Jn 10:16). Jesus envisioned that all his followers might bear witness to love, unity, and accord.
Jesus’ vision has implications for us today as we live the concept of a Family of Parishes. Every crisis is a moment of grace. Every crisis is a moment of faith. We stand on the cusp of a great opportunity to witness to the radical selflessness, the genuine love, and the uniting power of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Today’s gospel reading is an invitation, an invitation to be “one flock” with Jesus as our Good Shepherd. May we unite ourselves with the vision of Jesus. May we heed His call. May we accept the invitation. May we follow Him.
Pastor and People - Praying for Each Another
Coming Thursday, 25th of April will be the 30th anniversary of my ordination. Today’s gospel passage has great meaning for me, especially during this week. It reminds me of the purpose of my calling. The most important message for me as I celebrate thirty years of priesthood is simply this - that the One in whose footsteps I was, ordained, appointed pastor, and call to imitate is none other than Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Pray for me this week, that I might not give into self-pity, pride, wrong exercise of power, or that I might think of me before I think of others. Pray that I do not get burnt out, that I have good health, and that I might keep my focus on the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his flock. Pray that my zeal will never fade, that my love for Christ and his people may never wane, and that my faith will never waver. Pray for my family, especially, my beloved mother, who has entrusted me to Mary. Most of all, pray that I think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, and act like Jesus. When I die, I would like my epitaph to be “Here lies a disciple.” May my desire be fulfilled by my life.
In return, I promise to pray for you. May you and your loved ones experience the love, the peace, the guidance, the care, the blessings, and graces that Jesus the Good Shepherd came to give us. Most of all, I pray that in all circumstances, your life gives glory to God.
May this Eucharist become for us a Sacrament of unity and love. Amen.
- Fr. Satish Joseph