The Preoccupation for the Flock

WORD 2day: Wednesday after Ascension

May 27, 2020: Acts 20: 28-38; John 17: 11b-19

The readings today present to us the preoccupation that Jesus and St.Paul have for the flock that they leave behind - as St. Paul sets off to Jerusalem and Jesus contemplates returning to his Father! The total dedication that each of them had towards those entrusted to them is known to us and it is best expressed in the phrase that St. Paul uses quoting his Master: it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Keeping the faith, being true to the message of the Lord, persevering in the tradition in which one is brought up, not letting oneself be swayed by newer teachings  and fancier presentations, not becoming stumbling blocks to others, not looking for greener pastures, not seeking excitements of the moment or extraordinary show down... these are the preoccupations that are expressed here and proposed to us. 

These concerns prompt to us two important qualities that are necessary: Spiritual Sincerity and Constant Discernment. Spiritual Sincerity that goes beyond all external shows and calculated benefits and refers to a person's innermost relationship with his or her Lord, and Discernment that refers to the openness to the Spirit of the Lord and obedience to the Will of God even amidst problems and struggles.

The times today are marked by certain fickle minded hopping from tradition to tradition, seeking consolation or so-called "search" for the truth, or reckless trial-and-error attempts, with the proliferation of innumerable sects and factions. If these movements are spiritually sincere and discerned with rigour, well and good. But if they come from an unfounded mind and a lack of persevering dedication, they are the dangers that Paul and Jesus warn us against.