Change in Society will not happen … until, and unless, I am willing to change and be more available for others
Today’s readings discuss the role of shepherds in our lives/ society. But first, it is good to ask ourselves: who is a shepherd? Are priests the only shepherds? Should you be a Shepherd?
The politicians of a country are also “shepherds” of the people. Today, our Gen-Z are like God’s voice in First Reading. Challenging the politicians for their greed and poor management of the country. And they have also challenged the silence and selfishness of Church leaders.
One issue raised by Gen-Z about Church leaders is allowing politicians to speak in our churches at any time, in return for money, as they said: “big fat brown envelopes”. Another was the difficulty of getting something to eat at our parishes after they give offerings: they see the “priests” getting richer and the people becoming poorer.
But, like God, the Gen-Z claims against the Churches ended with a message of hope that the Churches can become once again houses of worship and integrity. But it requires each one of us to call out and challenge bad/ corrupt behaviour.
God is speaking to all of us through Gen-Z, however, can change really come if we don’t, also, criticise ourselves and change as individuals? If the Government is changed, which new Government will do a better job? The next Government comes from people like you and I.
“Doom for the shepherds who allow the flock of my pasture to be destroyed and scattered…” Priests, Bishops and Religious should not be silent about evil. Let us focus on ourselves as Leaders, then Society can improve: each individual has a leadership responsibility. Am I honest? Does my behaviour set a good example? Do I speak when we see corruption?
We know that priests serve the community. I’m a Christian in my parish, and I see the priest doing things which are not good, or are a burden on the parish, should I say something? People have shared some issues in our parishes:
1) some priests use parish property to do business for themselves;
2) some do sexual misconduct;
3) some misuse funds – and maker excessive demands for money from low income people;
4) some buy expensive cars that are costly to maintain for the parish community; and
5) lack of availability of some priests and rudeness/ arrogance of some priests.
Now, we can blame and even change our Leaders. But will the replacements be any better? Not unless you and I have a personal conversion: a certain difficult repentance, as John the Baptist cried out (Mat 3:1-6). If we are asked: Who wants change? Everyone says “yes”. But when asked: Who is willing to change? How many of us are silent?
The Gospel teaches us at least two important points: 1) words must follow actions:
after the good actions of Jesus, and the apostles sent out by Jesus, the people pushed themselves to follow him and were prepared to listen to him “at length”. Likewise, Church leaders today must be people of good action before people will listen to good words.
2) Jesus was tired, but availed himself immediately when people asked for more: to be an authentic Christian leader, each of us (but especially the priests), must be available to help others whether we are tired or not.
When priests feel tired, they should be inspired by mums and dads who are always available for their children 24 hours a day: after a hard day’s work, they help with homework, wash and feed them, and go to hospital at 2am in the morning.
One of the reasons the Catholic Church insists on celibacy for Religious and Clergy, is to ensure that we can reflect the availability of Jesus Christ: so we can demonstrate on earth, the compassion of God in Heaven, and so make true the Lord’s prayer: “…thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven…” (Mat 6:9-15)
In short, Jesus reminds us in the Gospel how God is full of compassion, especially when we change our behaviour, little by little, perhaps by trying these steps:
1) socialise with like-minded people doing and speaking good things;
2) work together to speak out against evil and corruption;
3) say positive things to your priest, but also ask how can the parish help the poor?
4) 1 Tim 5:19 – Don’t speak unless we know something is true: take notes; wait for more.
5) Mat 18:15 – If possible, meet with wrong doers alone, and speak with them. Or write a letter.
Let us, in the Church, make her a shining model to guide/ challenge politicians and others. By good actions we gain the moral authority to teach and guide our society. Let us pray for honesty to recognise my own sins against the community, and for the courage to change my behaviour. We build a great future for ourselves when we speak against corruption.
By Gerard Conlan, OMI
