Israel’s time in the desert is a model for the spiritual journey. It is a journey of discovery. This journey forges the relationship between God and His People. God Himself tells of the plans He has for the People: “Therefore, if you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my special possession, dearer to me than all other people, though all the earth is mine. You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.”
At Baptism, there is a special anointing with Sacred Chrism that reminds us of our identity as priest, prophet and king. This is the common heritage of all who are in relationship with God through the Covenant He has established with us.
Through the Sacramental Life, we discover who we are as God’s Priestly People. The priest is a bridge between Heaven and earth. In Christ, we are formed to receive the graces that God intends for our own growth, but also for the healing and holiness of the world. All who are members of the Body of Christ – priests, religious and laity, married and single persons – share in the common priesthood.
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The charge God gives to the generation of the Exodus is given also to us. We are to hear, to listen to God’s voice. We are to live within the Covenant. We are to belong to God and to show our belonging by holiness of life. The Responsorial Psalm reminds us: “We are his people: the sheep of his flock.”
Jesus’ ministry takes a step further. By His own actions, He provides a model that shows us how shepherding love works. St. Paul reminds us that Christ gave His life for us, while we were still sinners. Jesus forms His disciples inviting them to do what He does in response to the needs of the people. “At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.’ Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.”
Our nation has been consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This means that, as a people, we are meant to receive, experience, and pass on the Love the Heart that was moved with pity at our plight. The answer to the struggles we face is twofold. First, we must acknowledge them. We discover our need for a savior and a shepherd by facing our limited nature. On our own, we will accomplish nothing. Second, we must open our own hearts to the power and the authority that the Good Shepherd wants to bestow on us, and to use it for others.
Each one of us has a mission. Jesus calls us by name and gives us the role He has in mind for us. In our own unique way, we then respond to His command: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
The Kingdom of God is at hand. As a priestly people, whose hearts share the very Love that flows through the Sacred Heart, we bring healing to the illnesses of this world. We lift up and offer hope and joy to those who live in despair. We calm the fears of those who are held back by their wounds. We bring into community those who have been marginalized and left out.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is our High Priest. As His Priestly People, we share freely what He has offered to us. Let us love as He loves, responding to the call of the harvest master to gather those who are listening for the voice of the Shepherd.
