"Let us pray together that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence." Pope Leo XIV | |
Reflections from
A Pocketful of Sundays
EAS, c.2009
"You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them." Jer 23:2
The sheep, in particular, today's youth, have been scattered; there is no doubt about it. Some have drifted towards other Christian denominations; others have adopted Buddhism (which promotes self-awareness) or Wicca (which promotes reverence for the planet and its rhythms); still others claim to be "spiritual but not religious," while there are also those who profess to be atheists or agnostics. The sheep have scattered; if we are indeed the "faithful remnant," then we need to do something about inviting them home.
"I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them." Jer 23:3
There is comfort in Jeremiah's message. God has promised to gather the scattered, to find the lost, to restore the flock. How and when this will occur, of course, remains a mystery. Perhaps God will save the sheep one at a time; perhaps there will be a dramatic return of all the lost sheep in one great moment of restoration. The only certainty is that while some shepherds may have betrayed those in their care, God will never abandon the flock.
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A resource for promoting ecological conversion.
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QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- In what ways has the Good Shepherd accompanied you through dark valleys?
- What, if anything, is blocking you from entering the Gate?
- Does the image of the Good Shepherd still work in the modern world?
- What is the universal appeal of Ps. 23?
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Greetings, SBT Readers!
In recent weeks, there has been extensive news coverage of the supposed conflict between the White House and the Vatican, or, more specifically, between President Trump and Pope Leo IV. The president's attacks on Pope Leo have caused outrage across faith communities, Christian or not, while Pope Leo's focus on peace and human rights, especially the treatment of immigrants, has positioned him as the world's leading voice of compassion, sanity, and moral authority. But while the media continues to position the differences between the two men as an "argument," Pope Leo is clear that it is not in his interest at all to debate the president; rather, his time in Africa was about “dialogue, promotion of fraternity, true understanding, acceptance, peacebuilding with people of all faiths.”
Headlines from different news outlets scream "Trump vs. Pope," "Trump Meets His Match," and "Trump's War Against the Pope." In reality, however, the conflict is not between two men but between two interpretations of the Gospel. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, the beloved Pope Francis, Pope Leo is quick to correct egregious distortions of Jesus' teachings. Just as Pope Francis corrected J.D. Vance's interpretation of "love of neighbor," pointing out that it involves "fraternity open to all, without exception," so Pope Leo's focus is to proclaim the Gospel message; his public statements reflect core Catholic teachings on social justice, spirituality, prayer, care of creation, and defense of life. As pastor of 1.422 billion Catholics, his task is nothing less than to be the "gatekeeper," the one who guides the faithful to the one Gate, Jesus Christ.
Eastertide Blessings,
Elizabeth
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LINK TO SCRIPTURE READINGS
So Jesus said again, "Truly, I say to you,
I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came before me are thieves and robbers,
but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate. Those who enter through me will be saved,
and will come in, go out, and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy;
I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
Jn 10:1-10
It is always a shock when those we trust turn out to be untrustworthy, or when those we believe have our interests at heart betray us, undermine our efforts, or lead us astray. Many of us like to assume the best about others, especially people we are close to, or those in leadership roles. Even when the evidence points to the contrary, we often continue to trust, unwilling to face disillusionment. But betrayal of trust--whether public or private-- is part of the human condition. Whether it's a matter of insider trading, marital infidelity, secret "deals," "fixing" the outcome of sporting events, misappropriating funds, falsifying records, or lying under oath, sooner or later, those we more or less deify usually turn out to have clay feet. Sometimes, we come to this awareness gradually; at other times, there may be a defining moment when we see through the glitz and glamor to the real person-- and we are horrified by what we see. Shattered by our discoveries, we may feel violated or become depressed; we may also feel somewhat foolish for having trusted someone so implicitly.
It is precisely when our idols topple that we are most likely to turn to the Good Shepherd, the "Gate" into higher consciousness, safe pastures, and life in abundance. Tired of dealing with "thieves and robbers," we first have to repent of the ways we ourselves have contributed to our "corrupt generation." Our very blindness suggests that we may have condoned certain behaviors and unethical practices because there was some personal benefit to doing so -- being part of the "in" crowd, for example, or gaining status or material advantages. Or perhaps we were afraid of how "seeing" might impact our lives, forcing us to let go of unhealthy goals and relationships. To enter the Gate, we must let go of all that blocks us from entering. Christ's arms are open wide, but to be united with Him, we must turn away from illusion and self-deception, from golden calves and other lesser gods. Then, naked and poor, we can enter verdant pastures and rest in His welcoming Presence.
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
"Merton's Fourth & Walnut Epiphany."
International Thomas Merton Society, Indianapolis Chapter
July 16th, 2:00-4:00 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, Indianapolis.
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Archdiocese of Chicago Liturgy Formation Workshops
St. Paul VIth, Riverside. April 21, 27 & 29. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
St. Daniel the Prophet, Chicago. May 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.; May 5 & May 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
St. Elizabeth Seton, Orland Park. August 24, 26, 27. 7:00-9:00 p.
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