Shepherds without sheep?

A local priest and pastor stood by the side of the road. Doing their good deed for the day, they were holding up a sign that said, “The End is near! Turn yourself around now before it’s too late!” They planned to hold up the sign as a warning to each passing car.

“Leave us alone you religious nuts!” yelled the first driver who sped by. From around the curve they heard a big splash. “Do you think,” said one clergy to the other, “we should just hold up a sign that says ‘Bridge Out’ instead?” (Rib Tickler)

We have been reflecting lately on various Christian roles such as Prophet and Missionary. Today the readings talk authoritatively on being a shepherd. There is a tendency in today’s church to copy the ideas of companies, and pastors try to become CEOs. There was a cartoon in New Yorker recently that portrayed a man standing before a flock of sheep. He is dressed in a cap, windbreaker, slacks and shoes ill suited for the task, and carries a briefcase. He says, “Your shepherd Louie has retired. I m Mr. Smathers. I will be your grazing-resource coordinator and flock welfare and security manager.”

Karl Rahner: Holy priest is neither a mere religious functionary nor an overly zealous fanatic. He is not bitter in spite of the true bitterness of human existence. He does not try to escape into neurotic extravagancies. He is able to persevere patiently with God and to accept from Him his vocation to follow Christ as a priest without demanding the same thing from everyone else. He knows how to give things up, pure and simple, without tarnishing his relationship to the world.

People leave the church, priests leave priesthood but Church goes on. Challenges of priesthood are numerous as the society becomes more materialistic and spirituality becomes a business that could be bargained with a 100 dollar bill. Most often people leave on account of not getting much out of an individual (a priest!) or confused ideologies that conflicts with what we believe to be right. It is like getting a divorce! What guarantee could you give that you will live happily with the second spouse! Second divorce rates are 75% or more.

Priesthood needs to constantly look for the deserts – day offs, simply because it re-creates a person to serve better and to relate better.

Compassion is the one of the best ways through which priesthood is realized. Every parent shares the responsibility of priesthood and compassion is an integral part in playing that role. If you can’t shepherd your own child or children who would shepherd them? They will be like sheep without shepherd. Parents are not CEOs of families. There is a heart element so primary to parenting. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Take the age of your children – say 20. How about tuning yourself 20 times better in loving, accepting and understanding. And children – how about tuning 20 times more careful next time with your words and behavior.

It is our baptismal call that we take part with Jesus in his roles as Priest, King and Prophet. Parenting symbolizes God’s love for the people. When was the last time I wanted to understand my Son or Daughter? When was the last time I wanted to understand my Dad or Mom? Is it right to say sheep without shepherds or Shepherds without sheep?