Easter 4 - The Death Of A Shepherd

 

Homily for Easter 4 – Good Shepherd Sunday

April 21, 2024

Shepherd Dies So Sheep May Live

 

            There was once a four-star general in the American army who was retiring. A friend of mine was at his retirement party, and was amazed by how his subordinates didn’t just respect him, but loved him as a father. My friend asked the general, “How were you able to win over the hearts of your men?” He replied, “It was a simple three-word philosophy that I tried to live by…Officers Eat Last.”

            That’s the difference between being a boss and being a leader. Leaders eat last; bosses make sure to pay themselves the bonus. Leaders are the first to sacrifice and the last to get rewarded. Bosses reward themselves and ask others to sacrifice (this is becoming a huge societal problem – in 1989, CEOs made 59 times what the average employee made; in 2021, their pay was 399 times more). Leadership doesn’t come from a title or an office, but from the courage to set a good vision and sacrifice for it; bosses depend on external positions and titles. Leadership is based in humble service; bosses are often motivated by their ego.

            The greatest leader in human history, of course, was Jesus Christ. As a shepherd, He did nothing for His own glory. He had no pride, no ego – His only concern was for us and our salvation. He was unafraid to sacrifice, even to the point of laying down His life. He “set the vision” – pointing the way to everlasting life with the Father. Such a leader should not have to force, but rather inspire us to follow Him to that joyous Kingdom.

            The saint whom we honor this weekend, St. Padre Pio, is another beautiful example of a shepherd laying down his life for his sheep. As most of you know, he was gifted with the stigmata – one day in prayer, light shot out from the wounds of Christ on the Cross and penetrated his hands, feet, and side. From that moment on, he had wounds in his hands, feet, and side that bled for the remainder of his life. One time a woman asked him, “Do those wounds hurt?” To which the wry saint replied, “Do you think God gave them to me for good looks?” But he knew that if he wanted to help bring souls to Christ, he would have to suffer for these souls in union with Christ. So asked Christ to use those wounds to bring souls to be reconciled to the Lord.

            But his stigmata had to be lived out in a daily dying-to-self for souls. He would spend up to fifteen hours each day in the Confessional, which was exhausting and taxing, but he loved to offer God’s mercy for souls. One time, a woman asked him, “Why do you give such easy penances?” He replied, “I give you a small penance, and I do the rest of the penance for you.” Here was a shepherd who was willing to offer his life as a living holocaust!

            And people responded to such a good shepherd. Many people began to join the “prayer groups” that he would form, and tens of thousands of people per year would visit his monastery – they heard the voice of the Shepherd. Even Americans would flock to his Confessional – and he would welcome all, bringing thousands of souls to Christ.

            People hear, and respond, to a good leader who lays down his life for his sheep.

            Certainly in our lives we’ve met both leaders and bosses. At some point, most of us will have the opportunity to influence others, too, either as a leader or a boss. Perhaps we become a parent and have to lead our family; maybe we’re promoted to manager at work; maybe we’re called to coach a team or teach religious education or mentor someone.

            How do we know if we are a good shepherd, a good leader? There is one clear litmus test – what does life like for those we are leading? Are they flourishing? Do they find joy, and abundant life? Are they growing spiritually, socially, physically? A good leader should not be primarily concerned about keeping the higher-ups happy, or being financially successful, or climbing the success ladder – a good leader should primarily be concerned with serving God by serving those whom God has entrusted to them. Leaders are stewards, and we will have to give an account of how we have led these souls to authentic human flourishing.

            Let us follow the example of Christ – and St. Padre Pio – to become a leader, as we lay down our lives for our flock, whomever they may be.