Good Shepherding into Vocation
(04-25-2010)
In light of our Gospel of the Good Shepherd reading from John for this 4th Sunday of Easter our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, continues the tradition of our previous four Popes in dedicating Good Shepherd Sunday as World Day of Prayer for Vocations
The special characteristics of priesthood, the deaconate and religious life include unique aspects of sacrifice and commitment. While the priesthood and religious life has suffered greatly because of the scandal in the church with all the horror of sins committed by a few of the church’s priests, bishops, and cardinals, it is also a time to acknowledge those that continue to persecute priesthood falsely by the wanton attacks in the media of ALL priests, bishops, and attacks on our Pope. The series of “cartoons” that appeared in the Napa Valley Register, in late March, typify the attack against all priests and even “Down with the Catholic Church” poster in one of the series. The sexual scandal is a travesty and injustice that has taken place. However, Church laws, policies and monitoring have been put into place to ensure the safety of all—minors and adults, from any misconduct by clergy and religious.
My daily prayers continue for those who have been molested and more, as well as to all our wonderful laity and members of our church. For you often face so much persecution, and I’m certain some of you have to endure so much criticism and slander as you defend your belief in our Catholic faith and church. God’s blessings on you as you continue to claim your Church and faith despite the scandal as well as the false allegations and charges that continue.
The special characteristic of our Church down through the millennia is one of persecution, it has made us stronger and most often the strength comes through that special bond between parishioners and priests and religious. is brought out in the passage in the relationship of trust between shepherd and the sheep. They are trusting and in who have worthily inspired trust in those whom they guide. Let’s not forget such priests, bishops, cardinals, religious and popes that have lived and presently live their life in Christ.
While the celibate life is contrary to society’s view of what a “good life” should be. The idea of not having a spouse and children is contrary to many definitions of what it means to be fulfilled in life. Perhaps that fuels attacks in a society and culture that often lapses into hedonism and idol worship with celebrity being icons and models of the “good life.”
However, a vocation to a vowed celibate chaste life undergirds the vocation to married life in many ways. For there is a full ministry to the laity by priests, deacons, religious women and men that provides spiritual support, counsel, and prayers for married couples, single parents, divorced, Gay, widowed, and all stations of lay life.
The rewards and life of a priest and religious are not comparable to any other life. I am not saying the benefits and fulfillment are better—they are just very different. I know, because I have been remarkably blessed to have a very full life experience, which I have shared with many of you in previous homilies or reflections in the bulletin or other talks. From being raised in a mid-western working class family, to college and serving in the Air Force during Viet Nam War, from the pinnacle of corporate success and riches, to conversion back to Christ and our Church, from a vowed life of poverty as an ordained Dominican priest to release from those vows to serve as a Diocesan priest-and I’m just getting started!
I have always felt the presence of the Lord in my life-beginning as a youngster at 8 and wanting to be a priest. His intimate closeness was manifested at my ordination as I lie prostrate on the floor in an act of humility and surrender, forming my body in the cross at the foot of the altar of sacrifice, the chant of the litany of the saints wafting in and out of my consciousness, the call to the Holy Spirit as I convulsed in tears of joy, fears, humility, and unworthiness. Every Good Friday priests repeat that small gesture of humility, as I did this past Good Friday, lying on the floor feeling his same Presence calling out to me to go deeper into conversion, calling me to reconcile, to love others more for what our Lord has done for me. Through my many lives, there has been one constant, the knowledge of being loved by God and that love filled with mercy, forgiveness and the encouragement to use all the gifts I have been blessed with to make a difference through his presence in me.
That presence again this morning—waking up and going to my altar in my room where I am blessed to have the Blessed Sacrament—at the beginning of my day and at the end. His overpowering Presence of love is there every time I experience the Eucharist. At each opportunity, he serves to remind me to pray for all of you and carry you spiritually with me—to his altar in the church, to the one in my room, to any altar I approach—just one difference a celibate ordained life can offer. The vocation I live is and that of over 96% of my brother priests, filled with life at all times and in all ways—it is filled with the sacredness of your lives, so often shared with me in confidence—intimate sorrow, pain, losses, needs—joys—you are treasures to take to prayer. My vocation is who I am, not what I do, and through my vocation, I have grown to understand who I am. In this vocational tradition committed somehow to help make a difference in our world. We are all called to make that difference and witness a vocation in Christ—a vocation that the world needs from us—even if we are mocked, persecuted, and falsely accused.
As we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Good Shepherd Sunday, it is important to acknowledge the good shepherds that are multiplying in our church today through the gifts of our wonderful laity—you and our school and parish staff. Claiming your role as guiding in the footsteps of the Shepherd, whether in classrooms, in service for those in need and homeless; there are many less "official" shepherds as well, those who "tend the flock." Lots of parishioners who catechize our children and adults, who create and direct First Communion and Confirmation programs, Generations of Faith, those who train lectors and Eucharistic ministers, lead choirs, tend to parish finances and help with our parish and school outreach, our many ministries and organizations in English and Spanish that live his mission- vocation witness. It is a continued great need in our Church and world—a need you are called to help fulfill in your vocation in Christ. How are you saying yes to Him?
Sacred Blessings, Fr. Gordon
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