Homily- Friday of the 16th
Week of Ord. Time Yr. B Fr. Udoekpo, Michael
v Jer
3:14-17
v Ps
31:10,11-12abcd,13
v Matt
13:18-23
A Shepherd After God’s Own Heart
We have images and metaphors of a shepherd and a Good Shepherd
all over biblical texts, which are truly sympathetic to ancient and modern
agricultural cultures. Uppermost in my mind are Jer 23, Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23,
John 10:10-11, and, of course the readings of today( if you can read these
texts yourself and see).
Addressing his contemporaries, the leaders, as well as
their subjects, especially those who rebelled against Lord and his ways of obedience,
compassion, care, tender mercy, leadership by example, and hope in the saving
grace of God, Jeremiah, God’s mouth piece, reassures the exiled that he will “appoint them a shepherd,(leaders of all categories, civil, ecclesiastical, community,
familial, institutional, traditional, academic, parents etc) that will reflect God’s
heart- which carries, diligence, care, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, truth, compassion,
love, selflessness, sacrifice for others, others first, common good, ubuntu,
patience, corporeal and spiritual works of mercy cardinal and
theological virtues[prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance] [faith,
hope and charity] as well gift and fruits of the Holy Spirit[wisdom, understanding,
counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord; joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control
and chastity]).
As pointed out in the Matthean Parable of the seed sown
on the rich soil, in particular, Jesus is the supreme and Eternal Shepherd whom
we all are called to imitate. He plants us as seed on the good soil (Matt
13:18-23), as we have been hearing, reading and preaching since last Sunday. He expects us to do well, grow well with all
those virtues and gifts listed above in our leadership roles and interaction
with one another in our various towns, and villages, nations, continents,
dioceses , parishes, stations, outreach communities, institutions, offices,
places of work and residence.
Importantly, what we are and do as believers must be done
or seen through the prism of Jesus whom we are called to imitate as our Good
Shepherd. He wants us to be shepherd after His Own Heart. This is the same
assurances he gave to the despaired exile.
In moments of challenges, especially, the one we are
facing today, let us trust him in his words that he will see us through. He
will give us good leaders. He will enlighten our doctors, nurses, and scientists to the discovery of cure, vaccines and the best ways to manage this covid-19
and other challenges we may encounter in life. Truly, the Lord will guard us as
a shepherd guards his flock (Jer 31:10). He will appoint us a shepherd, after
his own heart (Jer 3:14-17).
Reflection Questions
1.
Does your leadership
and follower-ship roles reflect the Heart of Jesus, and some of the qualities,
gifts and virtues, I have mentioned above?
2.
Do you pray for your
leaders everywhere?
3.
In parenting do we
reference Christ’s and his teachings as our measuring sticks?
