April 28-29, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:8-12 First John 3:1-2 John 10:11-18
The Crystal Cathedral purchase. Clergy molestation cases. Church and politics. Assorted Vatican discernments and determinations. Liturgical language changes. With so many ‘newsworthy’ issues occupying center stage within the media it is easy to become overwhelmed with issues over which most of us have little control. Unfortunately what is also lost in the turbulent discussions surrounding these ‘newsworthy’ issues is the day-to-day SHEPHERDING of people by the Good Shepherds out in the field with the flock.
All too often the ‘newsworthy’ issues being trumpeted by the media or assorted spokespersons are not of particular importance in many people’s lives. Lost in the hubbub is the father doing his best to work two jobs to pay for a kid’s college tuition, the mom wondering if she is depriving her kids of time by working, the youth trying to figure out his/her direction in life, the couple wondering how their marriage got in such a mess, the man or woman realizing that their drinking is no longer just ‘social’, the average ‘Joe’ or ‘Jane’ just trying to live a decent life and make good choices and get through each day. The distractions of the ‘newsworthy’ issues saps the REAL reason for the presence of Jesus in our world…which is the day to day stuff most of us have to deal with.
Oh sure, the ‘newsworthy’ issues have their place…but for most of us they don’t impact what’s going on within each of our personal lives. The Good Shepherd, Jesus, walks with US…he does not appear in the press or hold conferences. Jesus does not carry placards or run for office, rather, Jesus is available to converse with each of us if we are willing to listen, he waits while we go off on our own courses, he walks and beckons us to follow, he models and encourages us to emulate, he heals and does not wound, he welcomes and does not ridicule, he feeds everyone and anyone who is hungry regardless of what anyone else thinks.
In these Easter weeks, with so many ‘newsworthy’ things competing for our attention, we are called to remember that JESUS is the Good Shepherd and not get HIM confused with the assorted issues of politics or Church. Issues come and go, today’s hot issue is tomorrow’s yawn…the Good Shepherd will be just as important tomorrow as he has been today, yesterday and the day before that. When you find yourself getting caught up the distracting ‘newsworthy’ issues, take a deep breath and ask the Good Shepherd for guidance….and before you know it, you will hear his voice and all will be well.
Thank you for sharing this last weekend of April with our Corpus Christi family. With Mother’s Day approaching on May 12-13, special cards are available on the Concierge Shelves by which you can enroll your Moms (living or deceased) in the special series of May Masses. Beta Foster Care is available outside after all our Masses this weekend with information regarding becoming a Foster Parent…if you have been thinking of this as a possibility, today is your chance to get some solid answers to your questions. Please note that the basket will be on the Altar at the end of Mass to accept a special offering for the Catholic Home Missions (those parts of our OWN country that are in financial need to provide essential Catholic services). As you enjoy your passage from April into May, remember, you are loved. FKB
