Saint Paul is an extraordinary role model for me as a priest. He was celibate, a zealous convert, and a man deeply in love with Jesus.
But one aspect of his life is often overlooked. Though he traveled far and wide, Paul rarely traveled alone.
As the Risen Lord says to the disciples in our first reading, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Paul for the work to which I have called them.”
Paul and Barnabas are being commissioned to preach the Gospel in Greece, Cyprus, and modern-day Iraq. At times, their journey will be a dangerous.
But they will never be alone; they have each other.
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I can only imagine how much harder Paul’s journey would’ve been if he didn’t have anyone by his side; if he had no community to write to while in prison; if he had no person to pray for him while he preached.
Perhaps his ministry would’ve been impossible.
Even for Paul, the celibate road was marked by more than one set of footprints; those of trustworthy friends.
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As it’s written in the Book of Sirach:
Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure.
Faithful friends are beyond price, no amount can balance their worth.
Paul knew that. We know that.
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Looking back, we’ll see a variety of people who’ve crossed our path. True friends are the ones who’ve never left our side.
Even in this age of social distance and “virtual presence,” how might we reach out to a friend – or try to be such a friend – today?
Over the last several days, I’m sure many of you heard about the Blue Angels flying over some of America’s most popular cities, including New York, in an operation titled, America Strong.
America Strong is meant to encourage our nation’s healthcare workers, among others, who are fighting tirelessly on the front lines against Covid-19.
We’ve all seen images of these doctors and nurses working in hospitals that are overwhelmed with sick and dying patients. It’s like they’re stuck in a terrible dream, somewhere between life and death.
Although they’re being heroic, they’re also human. Like us, they need to be encouraged.
Hence operation AmericaStrong.
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This surreal setting, feeling caught between life and death, is not much different than our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
We hear about the life of the early Church. People are coming to believe in Jesus by the thousands. A sign of life.
But these same Christians are also being persecuted for their faith; many are being killed.
Life was not easy, which is partly why the Apostles send Barnabas, whose name means, “son of encouragement,” to Antioch.
Although these Christians were strong, they were also human.
They needed encouragement.
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Are we any different?
Think not only about our healthcare workers, but also our children who were just informed they will not be returning to school this year in New Jersey.
Don’t they need to be encouraged?
Or college freshmen who are finishing their first year at home instead of on campus. Don’t they need to be encouraged?
Or parents and grandparents who sit at home in isolation. Don’t they need to be encouraged?
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Though we’re strong, we’re also human. We need encouragement.
In the spirit of Barnabas, the “son of encouragement,” think of at least one person whom you can encourage today with a phone call, a kind word, or a “social distance” hug.
Gestures of unity and kindness remind us, like those Blue Angels soaring in the sky, that America – and by extension, the Church – is strong.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, and we, his sheep?
Why not something with a little more pizzazz?
Imagine Jesus saying, “I am the Good Gorilla.” Or, “I am the Mighty Lion. You are my cubs.” I’d rather be a lion cub than a senseless sheep.
But that’s the point.
Sheep are defenseless.
They have no claws, no paws, no venom, or fangs. When a wolf comes along looking for its next snack, sheep are an easy target.
When attacked, sheep literally run around in a big circle, hoping they’re not the one eaten! Imagine these sheep thinking, “Catch her! Catch him! Just don’t catch me!
That furry frenzy reminds me of musical chairs.
Cowardice at its best.
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Sheep need a shepherd.
Without him, they’re nature’s next snack.
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Are we any different?
Just think about the frenzy caused by the Coronavirus. A single virus has thrown the entire world into a frenzy.
People can be highly suspicious of one another. If a person coughs or sneezes, for example, we’re struck with fear. Is that person contagious? Will he or she infect me?
It’s serious business. Our fears are legitimate. We can’t see our way out of this.
We need a shepherd.
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The same idea applies to anyone living without financial security, without a job, without a loved one… with a health scare, a sudden shock, or disappointment.
These experiences can really unnerve us, making us feel like we’re running around fearfully in circles. We need someone to calm us.
We need a shepherd.
Jesus assures us we will not be eaten. He keeps the wolves at bay.
As Saint Paul says, “No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Even when the time comes for us to walk through the valley of death, we shall not fear, for the Lord will be at our side.
“I am the Good Shepherd,” Jesus says, “my sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:14, 27).
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Sheep also have a herding mentality. They cannot survive alone.
If a sheep gets separated from the flock, it starts to panic; it literally stands in place and shakes. It’s only chance of survival is being found by its shepherd.
Otherwise, it’s nature’s next snack.
In a similar way, Jesus tells us that we must live and move as ONE Church, as ONE parish.
Everyone matters – the young, the elderly, the sick, the newly baptized, the newly confirmed, the homebound, couples, parents, families, and the priests.
We all count. We’re all needed. We all add something unique to the herd.
And we’re always stronger together.
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During this time of social distancing, however, it’s much easier to become isolated.
Thankfully, so many of you have been reaching out to one another, especially our sick and homebound, making sure no one becomes separated from the parish flock.
We must continue to do this, even after the Coronavirus pandemic ends. Even in ordinary times, when life seems “normal,” it’s easy to become lost.
Think of the widow who buries her husband, the person who’s inwardly battling depression, the college freshman who’s never been away from home.
A simple phone call, a handwritten letter, or a personal visit can help assure them they’re not alone.
As Saint Paul says, “So we, though many, are one body in Christ.”
Can you name one person who may feel distanced from the fold? Whether that means separated from their family, their friends, their Church, or their Shepherd?
Even in this age of social distancing, how might we bring that person back into the fold?
We need to think creatively, ensuring we remain united.
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“I am the Good Shepherd,” Jesus says. Meaning we are not mighty lion cubs; we are sheep.
Sheep have no way of defending themselves. They have no claws, no paws, no venom, or fangs.
But no wolf – no threat of any kind – should ever shake our confidence, because we have our shepherd.
