THE IMAGE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD FOR PRIESTLY MINISTRY AND FORMATION

To be effective, our vocational and formation work must be imbued with biblical images, visions and language. Of all the images of Jesus throughout the ages, what shows his tenderness and compassion more than the Good Shepherd? What more appropriate image could guide us in our vocational work in the Church? Even before Jesus’ time, the image was used to describe the tenderness and provident care God shows us.  

Anthropologists have told us that between the hunting and the farming stages of cultural development shepherds stood as people who existed in both worlds and tied them together.  For that reason, shepherds appear in ancient myths and sagas as a symbol for the divine unity of opposites.  What the ancient pagans hinted at, Christian faith has brought into a crisp reality with Jesus Christ as the great reconciler and shepherd.  He is the Good Shepherd, who has come into the center of every great conflict in order to establish unity and peace.

As a model of religious leadership, Jesus shows us that love can be the only motivation for ministry, especially for the priesthood.  He also shows us that there must be no exclusiveness on the part of the religious leader.  If there are sheep outside the fold (even sheep excluded by the fold itself), the good shepherd must go fetch them. The motivation for inclusion is love, not social justice, not ethical fairness, not mere tolerance, and certainly not insidious political correctness. Only love can draw the circle that includes everyone.

The rod and staff we carry must be symbols not of oppression but of dedication and service.  These are the hallmarks of authentic leadership in the name of the Risen Jesus. As we cast down our nets into the deep and seek other fishers of men and women, let us be aware of the urgent needs of the Church and the world for authentic shepherding today. We need to invite young people to follow Christ, and to be willing to stand courageously in the centre of the great conflicts and ambiguities of our time. Through their conviction, boldness and faith, they will bring unity and peace to our brothers and sisters.

Daily let us beg the Great Fisherman and Good Shepherd to send the Canadian Dioceses and our Religious Congregations worthy pastoral workers for the Church. We remember with affection and gratitude the stirring words of Pope John Paul II at the concluding mass of World Youth Day 2002 at Downsview Park in Toronto.  These words keep us focused on the importance and necessity of ordained ministry and consecrated life in the Church today:

“If you love Jesus, love the Church! Do not be discouraged by the sins and failings of some of her members. The harm done by some priests and religious to the young and vulnerable fills us all with a deep sense of sadness and shame. But think of the vast majority of dedicated and generous priests and religious whose only wish is to serve and do good! There are many priests, seminarians and consecrated persons here today; be close to them and support them!

And if, in the depths of your hearts, you feel the same call to the priesthood or consecrated life, do not be afraid to follow Christ on the royal road of the Cross! At difficult moments in the Church's life, the pursuit of holiness becomes even more urgent. And holiness is not a question of age; it is a matter of living in the Holy Spirit, just as Kateri Tekakwitha did here in America and so many other young people have done.”

…and may I add: will continue to do. To accomplish this mission we need big plans, boundless hopes, endless patience, renewed enthusiasm, new dreams and abundant joy as our valleys of tears are transformed into gardens for God, for the Church, for our dioceses and religious congregations, and for the world.

BACK TO SPLASH PAGE

Back to Additional Readings & Resources