4th Sunday Easter 2008

The Gospel of today’s Mass takes us to the 10th chapter of St John’s Gospel. In this chapter we hear our Lord describe himself as being like a good shepherd or being like the gate of sheepfold. A good shepherd we hear is one who cares for his sheep, one who looks after them, one who protects them, these are qualities that the love of God has for us. We hear also that he is like a gate of a sheepfold, the gate secures the sheep in a safe place no harm will come to them, they will not disperse and in dark and cold nights they will be kept safe. These images are not fuzzy and sentimental, they are strong and bold: they tell us that God looks after us, God will not let any harm come to us, God is ever watchful.

In the life of the church we believe that God chooses those who will shepherd in his name. It is not a job, it is a vocation. It is not done for glory but for service. You couldn’t choose it but you have to be chosen for it.

We also know that in the Catholic Church God has chosen a supreme shepherd of his Church. In these times in which we live his name is Pope Benedict XVI, we see in him the qualities of the shepherd. One who cares for the flock, one who leads the Church, one who will keep it safe. We see that in his faith, the rock, the Church will continue to stand firm. We see that he is like a gatekeeper called to keep us together, safe and sound. He is called to shepherd in God’s name. It can never be a job it is always a vocation. It is not done for glory but for service. You couldn’t choose it you have t be chosen for it. Don’t we see how wonderfully God provides for the Church.

In this week coming our Holy Father Pope Benedict will go to United States of America, a country both of enormous resources and people who are enormously gifted by God. A country that is very important in the Catholic Church. 6% of the total number of Catholics live in the United States, some 67 million. 12% of all the Catholic Bishops are American. It has more priests religious and sisters than any other Catholic country. It has 18,634 parishes, 1200 Catholic secondaries, 6288 Catholic primaries 224 Catholic Universities and Colleges. It is a Church which is marked by great personal commitment of ordinary people. Many of the parishes are very active and alive. It encourages renewal and active participation. It encourages the many programmes which have a great effect both in the life of parishioners but in the country at large.

It is not a church without problems. Cases of sexual abuse among clergy. The affects of materialism. It can get caught in the poles of extremism, too traditional, too liberal. It has its problems with people lapsing as we do. Struggle to keep school s and hospitals focussed on their work. It has its difficulties proclaiming Gospel values in a secularised world.

When Pope Benedict gets off his aeroplane in America he will be very well received by the Catholics in America and by many people in that country who are very well disposed to the Catholic Church. He will find that his words will be listened to very closely. The gentle guidance that h will bring as a shepherd, a true pastor will be appreciated.

What will he say ? Will he speak to a nation at war. Will he speak about the values of life. Will he speak about the dangers of materialism? Will he speak about poverty . He may speak about all these things, but most of all he will speak about God. For that is the reason that he has come, and as the II Vatican Council said it is only in the mystery of the Word that has become flesh that the mystery of man becomes clear.

During the course of his visit he will also speak at the United Nations in New York. What an extraordinary moment to speak to these delegates and through them to the nations. We hope that his voice and words are heard. That people hear him as he speaks up for peace. We hope that people listen to him as he speaks up for values. We hope that people listen to him as he speaks for God.

It’s the mystery of the love of God that everything begins from small things. The crib at Bethlehem. The empty tomb. 12 apostles. And one white robed man with one voice. God appoints a shepherd who will care for him and speak in his name. His name is Peter. top Comment on this Homily