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Wednesday, February 22, 2006 Meditation Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd. (Psalm 23:1) We may not often think of ourselves as sheep, but on this feast of the Chair of St. Peter, let’s take a moment to consider how we experience God caring for us as a shepherd—and how we are called to follow in his footsteps. As a church, after all, we are a kingdom of sheep and shepherds. Of course, we have Peter’s successor, the pope, and God uses him as a representative on earth to act as our chief human shepherd. When he faithfully fulfills his role, the holy father can be a great source of courage for us, especially when the church enters a time of darkness or is confronted by its enemy the devil. Like Christ, the pope can be a figure of stability in changing times, showing us the way to heaven. But can we experience God’s care for us in other ways? How about in our churches? We can experience the green pastures of a vibrant parish community where, like well-protected sheep, we can grow in love for Jesus and learn how to serve others. We can find refreshment through celebrations and life of worship that we share with the flock of our church family. In our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can forge relationships that will call forth self-giving, shepherd-like love from us. Even in our family life, surrounded by examples of sacrificial love, we can experience our cup running over. There is something very powerful about the way God’s blessings come to us through the church. It’s not magic, but it is spectacular. It doesn’t come automatically just because we attend Mass, but it does flow every time we imitate the good shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. It is this self-giving—this act of placing the needs of others first—that sets the church apart. When we care for one another in this way—and when we receive this care as well—we experience the voice of Jesus our shepherd leading us along right paths. So let’s embrace our roles as sheep and as shepherds, so that we can come to know the joy and security that this psalmist described. “Lord, teach me the ways I receive your blessings as a member of your flock. I celebrate all the ways you care for me as my shepherd!” 1 Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19 |
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