Symbols

Most of us are aware that all big companies have symbols or logos. The idea is that when you see the logo of a certain company you know right away what that company is and what they do. It's a valuable form of advertising for most companies. In fact, some companies have made their logos so familiar to people that they don't even have to put their name beside their logo. People know the company just by the symbol.

Well, what is the symbol of Christianity? Most of us recognize the cross as one of the basic symbols of the Christian faith. But there is another symbol that is also closely associated with Christianity, and that is the symbol of the shepherd. When we see a picture of a shepherd carrying a sheep, we instantly think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Jesus wanted to be known as a shepherd who knew and cared for his flock.

Allow me to remind you of some of the words we just heard in the reading from the Book of Revelation: "...the Lamb...will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

A Caring Church

And so our church is to be recognized as one where shepherding is an essential element. And to put it quite simply, a shepherd is one who cares for the sheep. If we are to remain true to this image that has come to be so closely associated with our faith, then we as a church must be, above all, a caring church. In every aspect of our life we should be known by the quality of our caring.

We are asked in a special way to care for those who can't care for themselves. We spontaneously do this with children. When married couples become parents no one has to tell them that they must care for their new child. It is just assumed that they will do this. That's what parents do. If we find parents who are not caring for their children, we see it as abnormal. That's not what we expect from parents. Somehow, they have betrayed their calling as a father and mother.

Expectations of Caring

This is not unlike our experience of the church. We have a certain expectation that the church will take care of her people in need. When we see that the church is not caring for groups of people, we are disappointed, or even shocked. Our legitimate expectations haven't been fulfilled. But in all of this, we must remember that we are the church. You and I are the ones to whom Jesus gave the task of being Good Shepherds.

I'm not saying that the church must replace social agencies, mandated by the government to help with certain aspects of caring for others. By all means, let's encourage our civil leaders to also be caring leaders. But as a church we have a special gift for compassion and caring. Throughout history, the church has been in the forefront of taking care of the sick and the poor.

Big Questions

How are we to do this today? Who needs our care, and how can we respond to them? These are rather large questions, but I think they are still the right questions. Realizing that we can't do everything, we need to pray for the wisdom to know what we in this community are being called to. And remember, sometimes the smallest acts done out of love are the most important ones.

There's a little story about a woman named Mamie. Mamie made frequent trips to the branch post office. One day she confronted a long line of people who were waiting for service from the postal clerks. Mamie only needed stamps, so a helpful observer asked, "Why don't you use the stamp machine? You can get all the stamps you need and you won't have to stand in line." Mamie said, "I know, but the machine can't ask me about my arthritis." People still need human contact. As Good Shepherds we need to discover ways to bring that necessary humanity into the lives of people.

Prayer for Vocations

Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Throughout the world we have been asked to pray for those whom are being called to priesthood and religious life. And we are also asked to pray for those who have already responded to such a call. They also need our support in a very real and tangible way. Sometimes we forget that those who have answered the call to priesthood or religious life need our encouragement and support as much as we need theirs.

In his message for today, Pope Benedict XVI says that, "Indeed, our primary duty is to pray to the Lord of the harvest for those who already follow Christ very closely in the priesthood and religious life, and for those whom he in his mercy continues to call to such important ecclesial service."

It's still true today that those who feel called to a religious vocation need our encouragement. The need is great. As a Church we need men and women who are willing to put all else aside, and devote themselves to bringing the message of Jesus to the world. The Pope in his message for today points out that "there is a widespread demand for spirituality." We need men and women who are specially trained in this vital area of life. May we pray for and encourage those who feel called to respond to the Good Shepherd that the Good News may continue to find its way into the hearts of men and women everywhere.