In our readings this weekend, there is a stark contrast between the image of Jesus as shepherd in the Gospel, and the shepherds that Jeremiah is criticizing in today’s first reading. It’s clear how the shepherds have failed, and how the Lord desires to place shepherds over his people who will ensure that they can live in peace.
Certainly one does not have to look very far in our own day to see shepherds (both within the Church and within secular society) who have scattered people, and become sources of division and discord. Why is this? I think its because, so often, when a person finds themselves in a position of power or authority, ego starts to get in the way. Instead of being motivated by love of neighbour, and a true sense of concern for the needs of all people, the person in authority very quickly becomes motivated by greed, and a lust for power. When these things are allowed to rule, chaos quickly follows. We can see that clearly in our own world- and sadly even in the Church, as we continue to grapple with the fallout of the various scandals that have come to light in recent years.
As we read these readings today, and as we reflect on the state of our world, we are challenged to ask: where does our hope lie? In whom do we place our trust when it seems like the world is falling apart? The answer comes to us in the beautiful words of the 23rd Psalm, which reminds us that even when we are in the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord is there to guide us, and to give us comfort. When we recognize that the Lord is walking with us, we can cling to the hope that in the fullness of time, Christ himself will bring an end to all division, and all of God’s faithful people will dwell in the fullness of peace and joy in his kingdom for all eternity.
Until that day comes, though, our challenge is to ask ourselves how we can work to better ensure peace and justice in the world. Even if we are not in positions of authority, how can we still be “good shepherds,” and help to gather people together and mend divisions? As we wrap up our celebrations of the Sacrament of Confirmation for our Family this weekend, I pray that we all can be more attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be agents of change in the world.
Finally, just a note about Church capacities as we enter stage 3 of Ontario’s reopening plan. Even though there is no longer an “official” cap on the number of people allowed to attend Religious Services, we have been instructed that we need to keep all protocols regarding physical distancing in place. For the moment, this means that not much will change in the Church, and our capacities will largely remain the same as what they have been since our first reopening in June of 2020. We are hopeful that as the province moves beyond stage 3, some of these distancing measures will be relaxed, and we will be able to start welcoming more people into our Churches for the celebration of Mass. As we receive updated guidance from the Province of Ontario and the Diocese of London, we will be sure to keep you posted. Let us all hope and pray that we are truly in the waning days of the pandemic, and that we will continue to see a return to normal life in the weeks ahead.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB