Fr. Nathan Hall, Homily, Good Shepherd, John 10 27, 2022

Today the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday. Christ used so many examples of sheep and shepherding to teach about God and truth that the Church in her wisdom takes a day to reflect on what this means. So, what does it mean to be shepherded? Two ways. First, there’s being directed in our parish and diocese, to take part in something big. And Second, there is a personal way. Knowing the voice of Jesus and following His guidance as the Good Shepherd.

First, I want to talk about the practical way of being Christian and being active in the Church that Jesus founded. This means the Church, the Bride of Christ, is trying to change the world and considering our part in that. This weekend starts the annual Charity and Stewardship Appeal (or CSA), which are those tithing cards to all our parishioners in the vestibule. You see, the Church in our diocese is trying to affect the world on a bigger scale. As I’ve said in the past, our parishes are not prime locations to come in contact with certain people in need like the homeless or crisis pregnancies … but giving to the CSA makes sure that the diocese and those parishes that DO those things daily can accomplish Christ’s work of helping those in dire need.

I also think of the next big thing. Our diocese is preparing for Ukrainian refugees coming into Lincoln. We’re in the process of making sure we can assist the refugees with basic needs AND providing them with the Catholic Ukrainian Rite of the mass. This all takes help. So, first pray. Pray that our diocese that we can accomplish Christ’s care for those in need. Then, second, consider what you can give to this appeal. The diocese asks for a set amount of giving, AND anything over that will be sent directly back to our parishes to help our community. Again, all of this is tax deductible too if that helps your planning. We give when we can and the Church can help people. And when YOU are the one who needs assistance, the Church is here to help you.

So, that’s kind of the first part of Good Shepherd Sunday. We acknowledge that the Church is called to lead on bigger projects that change the world. But there’s also a personal, individual aspect to Good Shepherd Sunday. Christ is calling you specifically to know His voice and follow His loving guidance. I hope you remember my lesson on sheep from last year. Their eyesight is terrible, but they have good hearing. So in the time of Christ, three different shepherds would put three different flocks in the same cave overnight. In the morning, the shepherds would go different directions calling out. The flocks would sort themselves out, by following the voice of their shepherd.

When it comes to us, it takes time to hear what the voice of God sounds like. When we went to seminary, we were taught the valuable lesson of a holy hour each day. God speaks to the interior part of us. It’s hard to hear in the midst of noise and entertainment and distractions. So, we were first taught the valuable lesson of fighting for quiet. Over time, you really can differentiate between something the Lord is saying and your own interior voice. I’m by no means perfect at it, but there’s no other way I can describe it other than you know when it’s your voice Vs. His. It’s pretty exciting and reassuring. Of all the different types of prayer, remaining in silence and contemplating Him is probably the one most people need. This helps you become familiar with God’s voice, with the Good Shepherd’s voice.

Then, moving on from there. Jesus asks to follow the shepherd. Today, I think we have a skewed view of following, like it goes against FREEDOM. Ask any average person what freedom is and they’ll say something to the effect of: “It means I have more options or things that I can do.” But, TRUE freedom means that you desire or are more inclined to choose what’s best for you. I think you know my favorite example with freedom by now: FOOD. When I’m hungry and my choice is between a salad and mozzarella sticks, I have this impulse for the fried goods. In a way…I’m not free. My base desires kind of …lock me into the decision. If I was truly free, I would choose what’s best for me…the salad…quickly and without debate.

Well, Following Christ the Good Shepherd is hard. When you hear His voice He’s going to tell you things that are best for you. Like, “Instead of TV how about you go for a walk with your loved one.” Or, “I know that guy at work frustrates you…but he’s actually pretty lonely…would you consider being nice and friendly to him?” A lot of times…we aren’t as FREE as we should be. We’re inclined to choose the comfortable thing. But once you start hearing the Shepherd’s voice in prayer…try to free yourself to follow Him. This is done by small repetitive acts. That guy at work annoy you? Try being the first to smile and say good morning. Then over time…maybe strike up a conversation and find out what he likes. That’s just one example.

In summary, Christ our Good Shepherd has set up ways to follow His design. It could be through helping His Church in your own way. We talked about CSA and the good our diocese is trying to help on a large scale. It could be personal, learning to hear His voice and following His path. When you receive the Eucharist today…ask Him…Is there something you want to tell me? And then Give Him TIME and QUIET and just some SPACE. He’s trying to answer. Overall, we listen and follow Christ because He truly desires our happiness. And not just moments of happiness here on earth…but real and permanent happiness…which can only be found by spending eternity with our Good Shepherd who led us to heaven.