FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B
NOT A CELEBRITY, PLEASE!
JN 10: 11-18
MESSAGE
Due to the influence of social media, we now see a proliferation of popular and sought-after priests. One can easily find a singing priest, a dancing priest, a Tiktok priest, an exorcist priest, a dramatic-preacher priest, a holy-looking Youtube priest – in other words, a celebrity priest! In today’s gospel, we encounter Jesus’ own concept of priesthood, both his and that of his apostles – they were to be simply “good shepherds.” People need to hear the truth through both word and example. They require preaching, but also presence and personal care. People crave laughter, yet they also long for the warmth of a visit, a blessing, an encounter. While people enjoy singing and dancing, they appreciate even more when their shepherds lead them in teaching, in praise and worship, in fostering strong and committed communities of faith. A celebrity is, ‘social power without closeness,’ as Katelyn Beaty once wrote.” And no one wants a shepherd like that!
After the pandemic, many Catholics have developed a new hunger and thirst for God, eagerly awaiting guidance. However, what if many shepherds prefer the comfort and safety of their rectories or only provide services for a fixed fee? Jesus remains the Good Shepherd of souls. If today’s priests fail to emulate him, there are other shepherds ready to take charge of the flock. This is why we are witnessing the departure of our young, professionals, and families to warm, supportive, and caring non-Catholic communities. While it is essential to pray for our shepherds and priests especially now at Easter time, it is equally important to remind them that we desire them to embody the characteristics of Jesus.
REFLECTION
Let us offer a simple prayer for our shepherds: Lord, bless us with priests who will truly lead us to You; those who will walk behind us, beside us, and ahead of us. Grant us shepherds of today, not celebrities. May they possess the heart of the Good Shepherd, willing to sacrifice their lives, comfort, and gains for the flock. Amen.
