Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

The Reward Of Heaven: Reflections On The Ascension Of The Lord

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Brooklyn Center, MN

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Writings about heaven do not get press coverage. You can hardly read an article about heaven in the New York Times Magazine or hear a discussion of it on any national television stations. In some churches these days, this ultimate goal of every Christian is rarely preached about. Preachers and their congregations are more interested in the immediate blessings of life. The preaching of “receive it” dominates. As such, some people say they know nothing about heaven. Heaven, they conclude, is a mystery. To make matters worse, atheists and secular humanists say to their listeners that the idea of heaven is nothing but utopia, which can be achieved here on earth through social and political reform. Some argue that the quest for a more perfect place is attainable through the pursuit of power, wealth, honor, and pleasure. Some religious people depict heaven as an extension of this earthly life where “lions will lie down with lambs.” But what does the Catholic Church say about heaven? The Catholic Church teaches that heaven is the ultimate destiny of those who live a life pleasing to God, a state of supreme happiness and eternal life in communion with the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary, angels, and all the saints. Heaven is principally a state of utter and absolute fulfillment. In the presence of God, in the possession of God in the beatific vision, the blessed will experience what cannot be put into words: a radical union with God and with other members of the Body of Christ that transcends anything we could envisage.

Today, we celebrate the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. In our first reading (Acts  1:1-11), we hear, “This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” In the second reading, St. Paul prays, “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones…” And in the Gospel, Luke tells us, “Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them, he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.” What do these readings have in common? The theme of heaven! 

As we celebrate the Lord’s Ascension into heaven, three points may be considered. Number one: Jesus is going up to heaven, but not exactly as he came. From heaven he came as the Son of God, now he goes up as the Son of God and also the Son of Mary. He came from heaven as the only Son of God, but now returns as our Brother and Redeemer. In one sense, he is the only begotten Son of God, but in another sense, he is not the only begotten of the Father, for through his suffering and death, he has ransomed and begotten each of us as sons and daughters of God. Through his redemption, we all have become God’s adopted sons and daughters. We have become brothers and sisters of the Lord. 

Number two: Jesus goes up to heaven without really leaving us. He stays with us as the Risen Lord. Although he is not physically present with us, he is spiritually present in and among us. He is present in the Holy Spirit whom he sent to us, for it is the Spirit of the Father and the Son. He also continues to be with us supremely in the Eucharist, in common and private prayer, in our neighbor, in the poor, and in those who evangelize for the Lord. In Matthew 21:20, Jesus promises us, “And behold, I am with you always until the end of time.” So, the Ascension of Jesus is not a change of place for Jesus. We must avoid the danger of boxing Jesus into heaven, away from us. After all, heaven is living in God’s presence, a presence which begins here and now with the grace of the Lord and then culminates in the glory of heaven. Jesus knew this all too well, and that’s why in John 17:3 he defines eternal life (that is the glory of heaven) like this: “And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ who sent.”

The third point to consider as we celebrate the Lord’s Ascension is that his Ascension into heaven reminds us of the destiny of his followers. A Christian is a pilgrim. We are on a journey, and when someone embarks on a journey, they want to get to their destination. The hope of the Christian pilgrim is the destination of heaven. Heaven is the reward of righteousness and uprightness. Heaven is the reward of compassion. It is the reward of love—love of God and love of neighbor. Heaven is the reward of holiness and purity. It is the reward of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, welcoming strangers, visiting the sick, and the imprisoned for the sake of Jesus. Heaven is the reward of forgiveness and patience. It is the reward of not getting tired of doing what is good. It is the reward of working for justice and peace for the sake of Jesus, the Prince of peace. Heaven is the reward of prayer, which is looking up to God and touching God through prayer. Heaven is the reward of simplicity and humility. Heaven is the reward of not giving up on God even in the face of unspeakable suffering and hardship. Heaven is the reward of keeping the Lord's commandments. Heaven is the reward of working for God wholeheartedly with no regrets. Heaven is the reward of joy drawn from a profound relationship with God. Heaven is the reward of being a faithful witness of God. It is the reward of not clinging too much to the things of this world. Heaven is the reward of depending and relying on God. Heaven is the reward of following Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Heaven is the reward of honest living devoid of hypocrisy. Heaven is the reward of saying yes to God daily. Heaven is the reward of dreaming of heaven. It is the reward for those who spend their earthly life storing up treasures in heaven.  

Sisters and brothers, heaven is our goal and our target! Over there, our tears will be wiped away. Over there, all our limitations will be gone. Over there, we will see Jesus, our Brother and Redeemer. Over there, we will see our loving Father. Over there, we will see the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. Over there, we will see our awesome Mother Mary. Over there, we will be in their company and the company of all the saints and angels. Over there, we will not hunger anymore; we will not be sick anymore. Over there, there will be no more trouble again. Over there, all people of different races, nations, and tongues will be united in one big family. Over there, our song is not going to be composed by Jay-zee, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Davido, Rude Boy, Burna Boy, Wizboy, Bob Marley, Tu Face, P Square, Cyndi Lauper, etc., but by the Angels.  

God bless you!

Homily for the Seventh Sunday in Easter, Year C

Jesus Prays For Us

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

Homily for the Seventh Sunday in Easter, Year C

Church of St. Bridget of Minneapolis, MN

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Throughout the centuries of Christianity, prayer has been described and defined in numerous ways. For the great St. Augustine, true prayer is nothing but love. It means that prayer should arise from the heart. St. Theresa of Lisieux defined prayer as “a surge of the heart; as a simple look turned toward heaven, and a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” St. John Damascene provided a classic definition of prayer: “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines prayer as a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC, no. 2558). One of my formators, Father Richard Thiele, CSsR, described prayer as “an act of touching God.” Speaking about prayer, the late Holy Father, Pope Francis, said that prayer is not just a private and intimate dialogue between a person and God, but rather an opportunity for Christians to bring the needs of others before the Lord. For Pope Francis, true Christians do not only pray for their personal needs, but also carry in their hearts the needs of their loved ones and those who suffer. So, when you pray, remember to pray for the needs of others. “In Christian prayer,” Pope Francis affirmed, “no one asks for bread for himself: he pleads for it for all the poor of the world.”

In today’s Gospel (John 17:20-26), Jesus acts as priest and intercessor. He prays not for himself but for his immediate disciples and future disciples, that is, those who will believe in him through their preaching. The whole of John 17 is called the “high priestly prayer” of Jesus. It is his prayer to his heavenly Father before his Passion and death on the cross. How did he start his prayer? John says, “Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed.” “Lifting up his eyes to heaven” is a religious gesture that acknowledges that the One Jesus is speaking to transcends space and time. He is not one item among the many items in the world. Although he is closer to me than I am to myself, he is, nevertheless, totally Other. In prayer, gesture matters. Poster matters. One of my professors in school was fond of saying, “Your gesture speaks.” And he is so right. What you do when you are praying matters. If you are praying and at the same time watching television, that says a lot about your spiritual life. If you are praying and at the same time engaging in conversation with those in the room, you are not really talking to God. If you want to pray, pray. But if you want to do other things, go ahead and do them. Prayer time is the most important time in the life of a Christian. It is a unique time of encounter with God who is great, greater, and the greatest. I tell you, if you come to my office to speak to me, and I am giving you my time and attention, but then I realize you are distracted by your phone or something else, I will conclude you are not serious. When you want to speak to God, cast aside all your distractions and focus on him. God is more important than your distractions. 

 What does Jesus pray for? What does he want for all of us, for all of his disciples? “That they may all be one.” In 1995, the great St. Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical titled “Ut Unum Sint,” which means “That they may be one.” The Letter is about ecumenism, about the unity of all Christians and all the Christian churches and denominations. In it, the late pontiff argued that working for unity among Christians is not an addition to the Gospel or an option for some specialists but a very important part of the Gospel for all Christians. Even if there are moral or doctrinal disagreements, there must be harmony among Christians. After all, there is one faith, one Lord, and one God who is the Father of all (Ephesians 4:5-6). 

More to it, in this high priestly prayer, Jesus repeatedly referred to “the world.” Is he speaking about cosmological space? This physical world that we live in? Not at all! The world is good. The Book of Genesis tells us that after God created everything, he looked at it “and found it very good” (1:31). So, the world is created good. The Catholic Church vehemently opposes Plato’s dualism, which considers the physical world as a flawed and imperfect copy of a more perfect world, called the world of forms. The “world” that Jesus speaks about in his prayer is the “world” of cruelty, injustice, vengeance, betrayal, violence, stupidity, and aggression. It is the “world” that crucified him on the cross. It is the “world” that makes power, wealth, honor, and pleasure its god. That “world” is the collectivity of persons, institutions, armies, and nations predicated upon the loss of friendship with God. That “world”, that network, will always hate the followers of Jesus. Why? Because the light they bring scares them. If you are a light, those who live in darkness will always be threatened by your presence. You don’t have to say anything or do anything to be hated by them. The mere fact that you are light and walk in the light makes them uncomfortable. Should you compromise just to be accepted? Not at all! If that “world” hates you, consider yourself blessed. In his great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). And in his letter, James says, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). 

Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Loving Jesus Through Obedience to His Church

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Church of St. Bridget of Minneapolis, MN

Sunday, May 25, 2025

How are doctrinal, moral and liturgical issues in the Church resolved? Are they resolved through prolonged lethal warfare? Are they resolved through vicious verbal attacks? Are they resolved when opposing parties engage in a campaign of calumny? Not at all! They are always resolved through a Council. A council is an assembly of bishops and other leaders to consider and rule on questions of doctrine, administration, discipline, and other matters, and it is always called by the pope. The convocation of a council is not actually new. It is not something new designed in the 19th century or 20th century. It goes all the way back to the first century of Christianity. 

In our first reading taken from the Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29, we see the first and smallest council in the history of the Church. Historians generally call it the Council of Jerusalem. The last and largest one was the Second Vatican Council held between 1962 and 1965. What was the purpose of the first Council of Jerusalem? After the evangelical outreach of Saul and Barnabas to the Gentiles, a good number of them converted and accepted the word of God (Acts 11:1). But their conversion immediately provoked a question among the Jewish Christians: should the Gentile Christians be circumcised? Without waiting for a clear definition and declaration from the Apostles, some Christians from Judea began to teach that unless someone is circumcised in accordance with the Mosaic practice, they will not be saved (Acts 15:1). Imagine the pain and gore of circumcising a grown person. Apart from insisting that Gentile converts be circumcised, they also maintained they must follow Jewish dietary laws in order to be saved. However, others like Paul and Barnabas, argued that these practices were not necessary for salvation and that faith in Jesus Christ was sufficient. To finally resolve these matters, a council was summoned. 

At this first council called the Council of Jerusalem, the Apostles and the presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church resolved to send Paul, Barnabas, Barsabbas, and Silas to the Christians in Antioch with a letter containing these words: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell” (Acts 15:28-29). Pay attention to the phrase, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us…” Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is not just human intuition but almighty God himself. He is the third person in the Blessed Trinity, he is equally divine and equally person of the Trinity. Who is “And of us?” The text tells us: “the apostles and presbyters.” 

The word “presbyters” is synonymous with two other words used in the New Testament, “elders” and “bishops.” Who are they? The Apostles ordained these successors, just as they themselves were ordained by Christ Jesus. These presbyters were ordained and authorized to ordain and authorize their successors down through the ages to the end of time. We call these bishops, who have authority of the Apostles, who themselves have authority of Christ himself, who said to them, “Whoever listens to you listens to me” (Luke 10:16). This is what we call “apostolic succession.” These are not man-made beliefs, they are biblically rooted. Here in our Archdiocese, to obey the Archbishop is to obey the Apostles. And to obey the Apostles is to obey Christ himself. To disobey the Archbishop’s rule and directives is a disobedience not only to the Archbishop but to Jesus himself. 

In our Gospel today (John 14:23-29), Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwellings with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.” In essence, obeying Church leaders is a way of following Jesus and honoring God’s authority. It is a sign of love and a commitment to discipleship. Imagine what the Church would look like if there are no leaders. Imagine what the Church would look like if there is no order. Imagine what the Church would look like if everyone is enacting their own beliefs and following their own beliefs. Imagine what the Church of Jesus Christ would look like if doctrinal and moral issues are not resolved through prayer and discernment guided by Tradition and Scriptures. Imagine what the Church would look like if defined teachings, directives and decisions of the leaders of the Church are not being followed by her members. You know it, and I know it that it won’t be the Church founded by the Lord himself. 

God bless you!

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Who Is God And What Does He Want From Us?

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Church of St. Bridget of Minneapolis, MN

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Throughout my formative years in the major seminary, I listened to numerous retreat talks given by priests. The topics of those retreats I have forgotten, except one. Somehow, my brain has retained it and has played it back to me multiple times. This retreat was given by one of the formators, an American Redemptorist, Fr. Jack Willet,  who died a few years ago. Fr. Jack was a big guy. As he walked into our seminary chapel, the first words out of his mouth were, “Who is God? And what does he want from us?”As he spoke, he kept returning to the two great questions: Who is God? And what does he want from us?

The setting for today’s Gospel (John13: 31a-33a, 34-35) is the Last Supper. Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the city of David, in a dramatic and glamorous way. He is ready for the Passover meal. At this meal, he shocks his disciples by washing their feet. He uses the symbolism of foot-washing to teach them that following him is about serving others and not being served. After that, Jesus announces his betrayal, not by an outsider but an insider, one of his close associates— Judas. Soon afterward, the unrepentant Judas leaves the scene. Rather than dwell on what Judas is about to do to him, Jesus shifts his attention to what he expects from his apostles, disciples, and Christians up and down the centuries. He gives, not an ideal or a value or hope or a desire, but a non-negotiable commandment: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). 

Jesus is God-man. He is the very incarnation of Yahweh. In him, humanity and divinity come together. He is the very icon of the invisible God. In Jesus, God has revealed his face. After an explosive three years of public ministry, he is coming to the end of it. He is about to be dumped upon all our cruelty, injustice, betrayal, violence, stupidity, and aggression. Saint Thomas Aquinas said that what someone says and does in the ultimate moment of their life is of tremendous power and significance. If you are with a relative or a friend who is coming to the end of their earthly existence, would you not take seriously what they say or do the last time you were with them? The Gospel passage we heard today is some of Jesus’ farewell speeches. So, it is paramount that we listen to it and do what he tells us to. 

In his farewell speech, Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” How did Jesus love us? Take a look at the cross. We know that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. More to it, God is love. God is self-emptying on behalf of the other. Therefore, to have God is to be what God is. The old rule says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” It means I cannot love another more than I love myself. But in the new dispensation that Jesus ushers, love moves from “philia” to “agape.” Authentic Christian love is self-emptying for the other. It is unconditional. It is sacrificial. True love is sacrificial love. It gives and gives and never tires of giving. Our love for each other must go deep. The whole purpose of laws, commands, and demands of the Church is love. All of it id designed to make us more proficient to love, at giving ourselves away. The commands – don’t steal, don’t kill, don’t covet your neighbor’s goods or wife, honor your mother and father, forgive your offender, worship God, etc. – are all meant to awaken love and make it possible. 

In the final analysis, love is the greatest weapon, the most powerful tool and the most complete instrument of overcoming all that bedevils us. Today, I enjoin you, fellow sinners and fellow disciples to:

Disarm arm the ugliness of hatred with love

Disarm bitterness with love 

Disarm malice with love 

Disarm uncontrolled anger with love

Disarm unforgiveness with love

Disarm bitterness with love

Disarm injustice with love

Disarm and dislodge the spirit of disagreeability with love

Disarm conflict with love

Disarm all manners of cruelty with love

Disarm non-ending dispute with love

Disarm all forms of hostilities, ongoing bad blood, friction and family feud with love

Disarm racism, tribalism and blind nationalism with love

Disarm all those culture wars that have separated us from one another with love

I tell you, all the problems of this world can be solved and resolved with the far-reaching power of love. Peace is possible in our houses, in our homes and in the nation if only we live by the Lord’s call to love. Peace can be restored in every part of our country if we resolve to love as Jesus taught us. Peace in Ukraine is possible if all the gladiators will apply Jesus’ healing balm of love. Peace is attainable in Africa. It is attainable in every troubled region of the world if only we can love one another as Jesus loves us. Blessed are those who love and who make themselves instruments of love, for they shall be called true disciples of Jesus Christ. 

God bless you!

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday)

Three Outstanding Qualities Of The Good Shepherd

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday)

Church of St. Bridget of Minneapolis, MN

Sunday, May 11, 2025

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, let us reflect on the three qualities of a good shepherd, as guided by the words of our beloved Pope Francis. In discussing the relationship between a bishop or priest and the people, Pope Francis noted, “A good shepherd should be in front to lead, in the middle to encourage, and behind to protect and support the flock.”

Was Jesus this kind of shepherd? Did he lead out in front of the flock? Absolutely! In Matthew 18, we hear that Jesus’ disciples approached him and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” What did Jesus do and say? He invites a child, placed him in their midst and said, “Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” At the Last Supper, Luke tells us that after Jesus had taken his seat, he gave his valediction, that is, his farewell speech. After that, he instituted the great Sacrament of the Eucharist, and also foretold his betrayal. What follows? The disciples began to argue among themselves which of them should be regarded as the greatest (Luke 22:24). What is Jesus’ response? Jesus says to them, “the greatest among you must be your servant.” What is the Lord doing in these and many other instances? As the Good Shepherd, he is in the front leading his flock. As the personification of the truth, he is leading them to the truth. 

Secondly, Pope Francis said a good shepherd should be in the middle, that is, being among the flock. Is that true of Jesus? You betcha! In his public ministry, Jesus eats and drinks, especially with sinners, prostitutes, tax-collectors. I tell you, at that time, it was a scandalous behavior for a rabbi to be associating with public sinners. When Jesus relocated from his hometown to Capernaum, it was generally believed by biblical scholars that he moved into the house of Simon Peter. More to it, Jesus was frequently seen in the boat with his Apostles. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus was present with his disciples. He was at the house of Martha, Mary and Lazarus multiple times. When Lazarus died, he visited again, comforted the sisters and resurrected their brother from the dead. Jesus was also at the house of Jairus where he brought back his 12 year old daughter who died. Jesus was among his sheep and was not only out in the front leading. 

Thirdly, Pope Francis said, a good shepherd should also lead the flock from the back. What is he doing at the back? He is attending to those who have fallen behind, who are wounded, afraid and excluded. Did Jesus fulfill this quality? Oh yes! Look at the Gospels and you will see how prominent this is in the ministry of the Lord. Jesus reaches out to the lonely woman at the well who was ostracized by her community. Jesus reaches out to the man born blind, who was considered by the society as cursed by God. To the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, Jesus reaches out too. What about the woman caught in the act of adultery? Jesus also reaches out to her. In all the Gospels, Jesus is presented as someone deeply attentive to those who have fallen behind. So, in all these three senses, Jesus is indeed the True and Good Shepherd. 

Now, should Church leaders try to emulate the kind of shepherd that Jesus is and that Pope Francis described? Yes indeed! If a shepherd is to effectively lead the flock, he must know the way to the destination. Otherwise, he and the flock would wander aimlessly. With time, the flock will become exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. Therefore, a good shepherd must be at the forefront, guiding the way. He must also be in the middle of the flock in order to know the flock, to understand the flock and feel for the flock. So, while he leads the flock out in front, he also has to be among the sheep, he has to be in contact with them. He has to communicate to the people and let them know that he is there among them. He has to make himself available to the people. He has to be present to the people. His ministry is a ministry of presence. A large part of the ministry of the shepherd is showing up. Just as a good dad shows up at his kids’ events— their games and their tournaments, their concerts and so on, that’s a big part of my job as the pastor. If there is no conflict of events, I have to show up to events and be present.

Finally, a good shepherd should be at the back. What is he doing at the back? He is attending to those who are struggling, who feel alienated, who have fallen away. He is paying attention to those who are sick, lame and are being threatened by predators. If he doesn’t do that, he will soon have no flock at all. The late Cardinal Francis George of Chicago was quoted as saying, “It’s great that you teach the moral teaching of the Church with such clarity. I’m glad you do that. But if all you do is drop that teaching on people, and then walk away, you’re not accomplishing very much. You are not a pastor.” The pastor speaks the truth, but he is also very attentive to those who, for whatever reason, have a difficult time embodying those truths.

May God help me and all the shepherds of the Church have these same qualities.

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday), Year C

Three Outstanding Qualities Of The Good Shepherd

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday), Year C

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Brooklyn Church, MN

Sunday, April 21, 2024

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, let us reflect on the three qualities of a good shepherd, as guided by the words of our beloved Pope Francis. In discussing the relationship between a bishop or priest and the people, Pope Francis noted, “A good shepherd should be in front to lead, in the middle to encourage, and behind to protect and support the flock.”

Was Jesus this kind of shepherd? Did he lead out in front of the flock? Absolutely! When we speak about Jesus, we often say things like “Jesus is our brother,” “Jesus is our friend.” Remember the song: What a friend we have in Jesus… But the danger here is that it has led us to domesticate Jesus and make him too much of a friendly guy who will never be offended. I tell you, the image of Jesus as a friendly buddy is not always what the Gospels depicted of him. Littered in the Gospels are passages of the disciples and people being amazed by what Jesus did and said. In Mark 10:24, we hear that “The disciples were amazed at his words.” Why? Because Jesus wasn’t just their buddy; he wasn’t just their pal or their twin brother walking with them. He was one out in front of them, leading them toward a goal, a heavenly goal that they don’t know yet.  What about the Risen Jesus? When Mary Magdalene tried to hold him, Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me” (John 20:17), which means you cannot hold and constrain me. Jesus who passes through locked doors, who comes and goes, appears when he wants to his disciples, if I were with the Apostles, I would be afraid as well in the presence of that figure. The point here is that the Good Shepherd is out in front of the sheep. Where is he leading us? He is leading us to a place where “eyes have not seen, ears have not heard.” 

Secondly, the Good Shepherd has to be among the flock too. Is that true of Jesus? You betcha! In his public ministry, Jesus eats and drinks, especially with sinners, prostitutes, tax-collectors. I tell you, at that time, it was a scandalous behavior for a teacher, for a rabbi to be associating with public sinners. When two of John the Baptist’s disciples followed Jesus and asked him,  “Lord, where do you stay?” (John 1:38b) Jesus said, “Come and see” (John 1:39) and they stayed with him. When Jesus relocated from his hometown to Capernaum, it was generally believed by biblical scholars that he moved into the house of Simon Peter. More to it, Jesus was frequently seen in the boat with his Apostles. In the course of his ministry, he invited his disciples to a place of rest and recuperation: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Jesus was indeed among his disciples. He did smell the sheep. He is among them even as he is amazing and a little bit scary. Jesus is someone you can eat and drink with, but he is someone that can scare you too. 

Thirdly, Pope Francis said, a good shepherd should also lead the flock from the back. What is he doing at the back? He is attending to those who have fallen behind, who are wounded, afraid and excluded. Did Jesus fulfill this quality? Oh yes! Look at the Gospels and you will see how prominent this is in the ministry of the Lord. Jesus reaches out to the lonely woman at the well who was ostracized by her community. Jesus reaches out to the man born blind, who was considered by the society as cursed by God. To the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, Jesus reaches out too. What about the woman caught in the act of adultery? Jesus also reaches out to her. In all the Gospels, Jesus is presented as someone deeply attentive to those who have fallen behind. So, in all these three senses, Jesus is indeed the True and Good Shepherd. 

Now, should Church leaders try to emulate the kind of shepherd that Jesus is and that Pope Francis described? Yes indeed! If a shepherd is to effectively lead the flock, he must know the way to the destination. Otherwise, he and the flock would wander aimlessly. With time, the flock will become exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. Therefore, a good shepherd must be at the forefront, guiding the way. This is the reason why shepherds in the Church are also theologians, and should also be people of prayer. What’s the study of theology? What does prayer do? They lift you up into this higher realm so you understand where the Church is going.

More to it, Pope Francis said a good shepherd should be “in the middle (of the flock) to encourage.” What does it mean? If the only thing a shepherd does is to be out in front of the sheep, he will lose contact with them eventually. If he is simply leading out in front without being in their midst as well, he won’t know them, he won’t understand them, and he won’t feel for them. He will lose contact with the sheep. Why? Because he is so far out in front that he won’t be able to smell the sheep, as Pope Francis once said. So, while he leads the flock out in front, he also has to be among the sheep, he has to be in contact with them. He has to communicate to the people and let them know that he is there among them. He has to make himself available to the people. He has to be present to the people. His ministry is a ministry of presence. A large part of the ministry of the shepherd is showing up. Just as a good dad shows up at his kids’ events— their games and their tournaments, their concerts and so on, that’s a big part of the job for me as the pastor of my parish. If there is no conflict of events, I have to show up to events and be present.

Additionally, Pope Francis also said a good shepherd should be “behind the flock.” What is he doing at the back? He is attending to those who are struggling, who feel alienated, who have fallen away. He is paying attention to those who are sick, lame and are being threatened by predators. If he doesn’t do that, he will soon have no flock at all. So a good shepherd has to be in front of the flock, among the flock and behind the flock. The late Cardinal Francis George of Chicago was quoted as saying, “It’s great that you teach the moral teaching of the Church with such clarity. I’m glad you do that. But if all you do is drop that teaching on people, and then walk away, you’re not accomplishing very much. You are not a pastor.” The pastor speaks the truth, but he is also very attentive to those who, for whatever reason, have a difficult time embodying those truths.

May God help me and all the shepherds of the Church have these same qualities.