[__01]
In the twenty-third psalm, we read that we are guided and protected from
harm, from danger.[1]
In the
twenty-third psalm, the Lord is our shepherd; and in the Gospel of John –
chapter 10 – Jesus is called both the Good Shepherd and the Gate or Doorway for
the sheep.
[__02]
When we read/pray, “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1), we profess
not only his identity but also his destination and plan for our lives. He is
our gate, our doorway:
“in verdant
[green] pastures, he gives me repose, beside restful waters he leads me, he
refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23)
The Lord is
our guide and guidance toward our destination.
Isn’t it
true that such guidance is meaningful – and applicable – if we observe the
connection between the
- Guide
and the guidance
- Instruction
and the instructor
- Teaching
and the teacher.
This
Sunday, we observe the Commemoration of All Souls, a commemorative Mass to pray
for all the deceased, our beloved departed.
Each of
them has passed through the gate, through the doorway, to meet Jesus as the
Good Shepherd.
[__03] All Souls Day reminds us to pray
for our beloved deceased, to pray for the souls in Purgatory. They are also
being led – by the Good Shepherd – to the verdant pastures of heaven, of
eternal life.
Just as we pray
that suffering would be alleviated for our friends and family among us here, we
pray also pray for the eternal rest of those who have died.
All Souls
Day is a reminder that we will pass from this life to the next life. And, this
commemoration reminds us that Jesus is our shepherd and gate.
[__04]
In certain public ceremonies – and photo opportunities – there is much
fanfare and celebration about welcoming, about the Official State Visit of
diplomats and presidents to JFK or Dulles International Aiport.
In these
cases, for example, the “shepherd” is the President or Secretary of State …and
they walk through the verdant pastures or Rose Garden of the White House, while
being videotaped and photographed.
We might
wonder, however, if such “shepherding” and “guiding” is only superficial.
The Secretary
of State, after all, is not going to drive anyone to a hotel… that’s the job of
the Secret Service.
Thus, we
might say that – at times – the “shepherd” or “guide” is greeted … but later
ignored.
After
all, if 2 prime ministers or 2
presidents were to have a meeting at Camp
David or the White House, they would not necessarily listen to each
other. Each has his or her own interests, agendas….
[__05]
When Jesus meets us as the Good Shepherd, he wishes to become part of
our lives, to share our interests, our concerns
Pope
Emeritus Benedict XVI writes that …
The Good
Shepherd … tends [to you and me],
looks after [us] as precious possessions, [would be] ready to defend [us]…. “Indeed,
the shepherd has at heart the good of his flock, he adapts his own pace and
needs to [us]… and [leads us] on paths “of righteousness.”
And, in particular,
at the valley of death or the valley of darkness, we need his protection.
Isn’t it more dangerous
to move about at night time – in the darkness. When we are in the dark spiritually we also
need the protection of a shepherd. To
know someone at the gate, at the door.
[__06]
Isn’t it helpful – to know the person at the gate or at the door if we
want to go somewhere?
Perhaps,
many of us – in our lives – have observed the importance of a connection to the
“manager” or the “administrator” …or Executive Assistant … if we want to make a
reservation…or get some information …so that we do not stand at the gate – in the
doorway – or on hold on the telephone for a a long time.
For example,
such a person may tell us how to obtain what we want either … by
·
Showing
up at a particular time of day
·
By
asking our questions in a particular way.
Isn’t this
also the role of our parents, teachers, coaches?
[__07] To know Jesus the Gatekeeper and
Jesus the Good Shepherd, we are called to observe what he expects us of us …
Yes, he
expects us – invites us – to follow his ways. However, he is also the Good Shepherd who
seeks out the lost sheep and brings this sheep – you or me – through the gate.
Yes, he
also expects us to come to him in the light, in the lighted doorway and main
entrance. That is, there are no
shortcuts to his kingdom, to his green pasture.
But, he is
also the shepherd and Father who waits on the front porch – at the front door –for
the return of the Prodigal Son at any hour of night or day.
On All
Souls Day, we place our trust in the Good Shepherd for this life and the next
..that he will protect us in the many doors and passageways through which we still have to travel.
[__fin__] [__Bibliography__] Benedict XVI General Audience
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20111005_en.html
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