The Good Shepherd - March 24
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:145-176; PM Psalm 128, 129, 130; Jer. 25:30-38; Rom. 10:14-21; John 10:1-18
When serving on the vestry at All Saints’ in Homewood nearly 20 years ago, we had a presentation as part of the meeting. A program was introduced to the church called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Stephanie Diethelm guided the group through a teaching module in the children’s ministry curriculum that we were considering for All Saints’. Adults of all ages took off their shoes, sat on the floor, and listened to her tell the story of the Good Shepherd. The lights were dimmed. Her voice was soft. And I felt transfixed. Wow. It was powerful to hear the story of the Good Shepherd retold – and I felt pulled into that setting in a new way. I saw Jesus as the Gate. I could hear him telling us that he lays down his life for the sheep…and that he must bring the other sheep in, too. They listen to his voice.
Today is the anniversary of Óscar Arnulfo Romero’s death. He was a Roman Catholic priest in El Salvador who was outspoken about human rights, and the repeated violations of the rights of the poor and victims of El Salvador’s very acrid and devastating civil war. During his time as archbishop in San Salvador, he was criticized by his country’s government and the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, he kept acting as a shepherd in Jesus’ pasture, tending to the sheep and naming when the sheep were being violated by thieves and bandits. He appealed to the Salvadoran military in a radio broadcast, “No soldier is obliged to obey an order that goes against the law of God. I beseech you. I beg you…In the name of God: ‘Cease the repression!’”
Romero continued celebrating Mass, offering holy food and drink to those at the Table of Jesus. On March 24, 1980, as his arms were spread out and lifted in the orans posture and he was saying the Eucharistic prayer to consecrate the bread and wine upon the altar, Óscar Romero was assassinated with one shot to his heart. Romero’s death focused a worldwide lens upon the need for reform of human rights in El Salvador.
While a priest in the Roman Catholic Church, Romero is one of ten 20th century martyrs memorialized in Westminster Abbey in London. His ministry and mission as a follower of Jesus resonated widely. He was canonized a saint in 2018 by Pope Francis and the wake of his ministry continues to be an inspiration to many around the world.
I remember Óscar Romero when I celebrate the Eucharist, opening and lifting my arms. I remember the vulnerability and strength of this outspoken priest from Central America. I think of the burdens he bore and the sacrifice he made as one of the shepherds for Jesus. Romero laid down his life for the sheep.
In closing, I offer you this prayer found in Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2018 from the Episcopal Church: Almighty God, you called your servant Óscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that we, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
How do you imagine the Good Shepherd caring for you?
For whom do you make sacrifices and offer protection? Who has lifted their voice to defend and protect you?
Daily Challenge
A quote attributed to Romero is, “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” Take five minutes to meditate on these words. Listen for where God is calling you to be more today. Write down one action that emerges from your time of reflection.