We’re back to the green. Following the great seasons of Lent and Easter and the two Solemnities of the Holy Trinity and Corpus Christi. On this 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we also celebrate the secular holiday of Father’s Day in which we honor those men who have been paternal figures in our lives.
The readings today speak of God creating a community out of the wandering Israelites. He invites them to hear his voice and keep the covenant. Jesus does the same as he gathers the twelve disciples and gives them a special role to be shepherds over God’s people.
In many ways father figures do the same: they create community and function as a shepherd. A coach creates a team and leads them. A teacher or mentor challenges his students to be the best and shows them the way. Those who serve as fathers to us also nurture and comfort us when we are feeling down. But they also invite us to look toward the future when things will get better.
Give thanks this day for those men who have been fatherly to you and pray that you may follow their example.
Thank you to all who extended birthday and anniversary greetings to me. Also, thank you to all who organized and served at the reception after all the Masses. For the past 30 years I have had many wonderful experiences as a priest and I hope for 30 more. Thank you for all of your prayers to assist me in my task to be a shepherd to God’s people.
Have a great week,
Msgr. John