Homily for the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time: July 23, 2006

Given by the Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton.

One of our favorite images of Jesus is that of the Good Shepherd. By contrast there are shepherds who are not so good. In the bible shepherds refer not only to religious leaders but also to public officials. The prophets like Jeremiah rail against evil leaders because they neglect the people and exploit them. They do not care for the sheep. They are driven only by their own self interests. They are motivated by greed for wealth and power.

Jesus on the other hand is the Good Shepherd. He knows his sheep by name and cares for them. “Come away by yourselves,” he says, “and rest awhile.” Come with all your anxieties, your burdens and your responsibilities and He will give you rest and comfort. He is the Shepherd who has given his life for his flock. “Greater love than this no one has.” We are Christ’s beloved.

If we take our Catholicism seriously and delve into how to be Catholic, it doesn’t mean to be sheep led around as if we have no personal responsibility except to comply rather passively. Rather, to follow Christ is to imitate Him as he is the Good Shepherd. This means that first of all we care. We care about the well being of our world; we care about the poor; we care about those being torn apart in violence; we care about our families; we care about our communities; we care about those who are hurting; we care about our parishes. We see our lives to be for God and in service of one another.

One of the goals of our diocesan synod which will be promulgated on September 22 says: WE WILL LIVE OUR BAPTISM BY INTEGRATING OUR FAITH INTO OUR DAILY LIVES THROUGH PURPOSEFUL, LIFE LONG LEARNING AND PRAYER. THIS WILL LEAD US TO DEEPER ENGAGEMENT WITH CHRIST AND DEVLOP A VIBRANT, ACTIVE COMMUNITY OF DISCIPLES THAT RADIATES GOD’S LOVE. JUSTICE AND TRUTH TO THE WORLD.”

Being a Catholic is not belonging to a religious club. As Catholics we make and live a confession of faith in Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd.

Last Update July 24, 2006