Reading I: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Responsorial Psalm23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Reading II: Ephesians 2:13-18
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34
Jesus’ compassionate shepherding is emphasized in each of today’s scripture readings. He will gather the remnant from all the lands to dwell in security in verdant pastures. He will guide us and lead us, refreshing our souls. He is our peace as he breaks down the dividing wall of enmity. He invites us to rest a while. He has pity on us.
We are Jesus’ flock no matter what. Jesus is calling us, gathering us even when we do not realize it. Pope Francis wants pastors to be so close to their people that they smell like their flock. Our pope himself strives to be close to the people as he fosters Synods in the Amazon, among youth, on the Family, and more. We’ve been told that this coming October through April we will be invited to participate in a synodal process.
Some of us were involved in our diocesan synod in the early 90s. It was an experience of active listening while engaging in rich conversations on topics of concern to us. People felt heard and respected as their values were given voice. People were thoughtful, prayerful, and gracious as they shared their concerns and listened to one another with reverence. A priority that came out of that Synod was that people want a sense of Belonging to their faith community and so we organized small faith-sharing groups.
Another Synod priority from the 1990s, Women in the Church encouraged women with seminary training, with masters and doctoral degrees in Biblical and Pastoral theology to Preach and serve as pastoral associates, parish administrators, and as Liturgy of the Word with communion leaders in nursing homes and parishes. Another priority was the Consistent Life Ethic to respect life from womb to tomb and all that affects the quality of life.
None of the priorities of the Synod of the 90s have been fully implemented, addressed, and met. All of them reflect biblical imperatives; all of them have opponents and fans. What will come of the new Synod Pope Francis is calling? Will it uncover needs similar to those the Synod on the Amazon discovered? Environmental degradation is a prime concern. Other concerns are the priest shortage and a call for laywomen and laymen to be recognized and supported as they share the shepherding roles in their faith communities.
Synods are designed to discern God’s will as a community. Through the synodal process, we are to engage with one another as we face the truth about injustices that cripple humanity or segments of it and find ways to bring healing, reconciliation, and hope to a sorely troubled world. What Pope Francis seems to be doing as our Chief Shepherd is to trust the Holy Spirit in each of the baptized and to also find good partnerships among shepherds and flocks of other religions and no religion. Austin Evereigh’s bk Wounded Shepherd shows us a pope who is patient with struggling humanity, listens well, and calls us each to be our best self at the service of the common good. That phrase – common good -- appears 87 times in sacred scripture. Pope Francis shepherds us while being shepherded himself by our gracious God to break down walls of enmity. His encyclicals continue in the tradition of Church teaching: Evangeli Gaudium, Laudato Si, Fratelli Tutti and Lumen Fidei. They quote the best of his predecessors and encourage each of us to change our way of living in order to better shepherd and protect God’s creation and treat one another with profound respect.
By Dr Deni Mack, Pastoral Associate Emerita