Growing as Shepherds and Pastors

Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter preached by Father Felix Fernandes sdb at Don Bosco Church, Nashik, 10th April 2016.

Father began by recounting briefly the life of Bishop Oscar Romero. He hailed from El Salvador and lived and died about 50 years ago. His country was afflicted by systemic poverty and ruled by the military junta. Bishop Romero challenged the government and confronted the soldiers with the words, “You need to follow the voice of God and your conscience and not of military leaders.” Drawing on the words of the Venerable Bishop father pointed out that the question we need to ask is: whose voice am I following? Why have I attended today’s mass? Is it because of convention or out of love for God? Here he cited the example of a nurse who refuses to participate in an abortion and consequently loses her job as an example of a person who follows their conscience.

The apostles as we hear in today’s reading are transformed and proclaim the Resurrected Christ. Father quoted a significant line from the scripture of the day: “Obedience to God comes before obedience to man.” He then posed the question, “Is this how we live?” Bishop Romero was a pastor and shepherd. Jesus was on the beach preparing breakfast for the disciples. This image reveals that our God cares for our spiritual and material needs. Bishop Romero not only preached but also worked for social justice.  Jesus’ call to breakfast with him is intimate. It reflects the depth of his love and friendship. He asks us to reach out in a spiritual and material way.


The homily concluded with the prayer that all Christians may become shepherds and pastors, caring for the spiritual and material needs of others and motivated by love.    

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