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There are these nasty things out there called smelling salts, maybe some of you have used them before. They are made with ammonia and often used in contact sports when a player comes off the field from a big hit and is a bit woozy. They are also used when someone passes out to help them wake up. I’ve even seen people use them to focus and be fully alert. In any case, they are not pleasant. There will never be a smelling salts candle or air freshener but that’s kinda the point. They are meant to be used sparingly for serious reasons.
Our first reading tonight is a sort of spiritual smelling salt. On one hand it contains the strong and unpleasant condemnation of bad shepherds who have failed in their duty to care for God’s flock. There is a divine promise of punishment for those who abandon their role to guide and protect. God’s strong language gets our attention and snaps us out of the distracted daze that often grabs us when we hear His Word. Why is God so angry? Why do bad shepherds cause such a strong response?
For most people, when they think of shepherds in the scriptures, they think of priests and bishops and other spiritual leaders. And for good reason! Jesus often describes himself as a shepherd. Tonight’s gospel describes his tender heart with this image as he looks about the crowds of people who have caught up with Jesus and the disciples as they were trying to rest and reflect. Even though he is tired and his apostles have not even had time to eat, Jesus is the good shepherd who puts the needs of the flock first. They want healing, preaching, and direction and he will not deny them what their souls need. Jesus is the opposite of the leaders who are condemned in the first reading and he is teaching his disciples to lead in the very same way. Over the past 15-20 years, we’ve seen the devastating effect of bad shepherds in our Church. Since the priest scandal broke in the early 2000’s, catholics have had to confront the reality that there have been far too many bad shepherds leading God’s flock. The result is that many people have left the flock, rejected the teachings of Jesus and went looking for green pastures elsewhere. Their hearts have been broken and their souls repulsed by the very people who should have led them to the Lord. That is why Jeremiah uses such strong and threatening language in our first reading. Thanks be to God there are still so many good and holy shepherds called to lead God’s Church. God continues to keep his promise to raise up righteous and wise leaders in the wake of scandal and sadness.
But priests, bishops, and religious leaders are not the only shepherds called out by the challenge of the first reading. In the bible, the king and other political figures were also regarded as shepherds. Worldly leaders also have a responsibility to care for the people they are appointed to lead, not necessarily focussing on the spiritual care of their constituents but making sure their basic human needs are meant and their human dignity protected. Political leadership in our country and in our time is in need of serious moral reform. In almost every poll, politicians are regarded some of the least admired and most mistrusted groups. The spiritual smelling salts of the first reading should serve as a wakeup call to all who serve in public leadership; God expects that power to be used for the betterment of his flock!
It can be easy to jump on the bandwagon and condemn the examples of bad leadership we see in both Church and politics. God knows, there are plenty of examples to point to! But bad priests, bad politicians, and other bad shepherds don’t drop out of the sky. They grow up in families, they go to schools, they hang out with friends, and even go to church. Before any person becomes a good or bad shepherd, they are guided and formed by many others in the course of daily life in the process of growing up. The role of shepherding involves far more people than just our clergy and political leaders; it includes just about every single person who is old enough to know right from wrong!
Parents, you are some of the most important shepherds out there. Your flock is your family and you set the tone not just for your home but for our entire society. The catechism describes the family as the domestic church. If parents lead their children towards God, if they teach them to love what is good and run from what is sinful, our society and our parishes are better because of it. So many of the qualities of good and holy leaders are instilled by a healthy and wholesome family life.
It is so hard these days for parents to be good shepherds. There is no shortage of voices that call young people away from what will make them truly and forever happy with God in heaven. It is not easy to round up the family and come to Mass each and every Sunday. The world is forever encouraging parents to make other priorities and choose other values that seem more convenient or pleasant. Don’t underestimate the importance of your choices and the power of your example. Your grace-filled leadership in your homes is needed now, more than ever, for the good of our church and our world!
Shepherding doesn’t stop with priests, politicians, or parents. Each of us have people who depend on us and are affected by our choices and behavior. Our wonderful teens and grade school students, you are shepherds too! You provide an example to your friends, your siblings, your classmates and so many others you may never even met in person. Your kindness and support can get others through a low point in life. Your sticking up for someone can stop a bully in their tracks. Your speaking the truth can transform a heart and offer freedom to some who is living a lie. The way you engage others online has the potential to magnify your voice; always use that power to do good! There is no minimum age for becoming an inspiration and example of virtue. Please do not forget that you are also called to be shepherds here and now in your own way.
The list could go on for all of you who are grandparents, godparents, teachers, coaches, managers, executives, and leaders but I think you get the point. We all have people who rely on us, look up to us, and follow our lead. Our first reading reminds us that this is both an honor and a responsibility. It is an honor that God has given our actions and decisions such power. We have a responsibility to make sure our leadership directs people back to God rather than being used for self-serving purposes.
The best news of all is that we have a living example in Christ. He shows us how to lead others and be good shepherds. It always starts with service and putting others first. The life of a shepherd is not always easy but if lived well, it is always rewarding and life-giving. May we allow Jesus to lead us every day so we may, in turn, lead those who rely on us!
