Knowing each other up close

When conflicts and dissensions among different groups and leaders arose in the early Church, someone felt the need to remember that in Jesus’ community he alone is the good Shepherd. He is not just another shepherd, but rather he is the authentic, true, model shepherd to follow.

This beautiful image of Jesus as good Shepherd is a call to repentance, directed to those who claim for themselves the title of “shepherds” in the Christian community. The shepherd who looks like Jesus only thinks about the sheep. He does not “flee” in the face of problems. He does not abandon the sheep. On the contrary, he is at their side. He defends them. He is wholly dedicated to them. He “risks his life” looking out for their welfare.

This image is, at the same time, an invitation to fraternal communion among us all. The Good Shepherd “knows” his sheep and his sheep “know” him. Only from this tight closeness, from this mutual knowledge and tender communion, does the Good Shepherd share his life with the sheep. It is towards this communion and mutual knowledge that we have to walk today also in the Church.

In these times that are not easy for the faith, we need more than ever to join forces and look together for gospel criteria and main guidelines for action in order to know in what direction toward the future we are to head in a creative manner.

This, however, is not what is happening. Some conventional calls to a life of communion are made, but we do not take steps to create a climate of mutual listening and dialogue. On the contrary, on the increase are condemnations and dissensions among bishops and theologians, among theologians of different leanings, among movements and communities of varying banners, among groups and blogs of all kinds….

But what is most sad perhaps is to see how the distance between the hierarchy and the Christian people keeps growing. One might say that they live in two different worlds. In many places the “shepherds” and the “sheep” hardly know each other. It is not easy for many bishops to sympathize with the real needs of believers, in order to offer them the guidance and encouragement they need. It is difficult for many faithful to feel affection for and interest in some pastors whom they see to be far removed from their problems.

Only believers who are full of the Spirit of the Good Shepherd can help create the climate of closeness, mutual listening, reciprocal respect and humble dialogue we badly needed.

April 26, 2015
4 Easter (B)
John 10, 11-18