It is no accident that as we celebrate this week after Epiphany, and journey towards the beginning of our call to mission in the upcoming feast of the Baptism of the Lord, that our Savior, Jesus Christ be equated with LOVE.
"In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he has loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins." - 1 John 4:10
It is also not an accident that the spirit of God's love for us is rooted in serving us, and the need we have to be led and fed.
"When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. " - Matthew 6:34
I would not suggest focusing on the word "pity" as if God feels sorry for His imperfect creation. Rather, I would suggest that we concentrate on the word "moved", for "God so loved the world that he sent His only Son." (John 3:16) The moving of God is one of intentional action. He created us, He walks with us, and He loves us! Now I could recall and re-tell many personal stories or give examples of how I am nothing without those who have led and fed me, for I too am in need of a "shepherd" every day of my life. Mr. Dick Johnson, my 8th grade CCD teacher, Sr. Madeline, Fr. Ray, Sr. Marianne, Fr. Joe, all my college and grad school profs., Archbishop Lipscomb, Sr. Kitty, Charlotte, Dr. Doyle, Fr. Pat, Fr. Sexton, Fr. Roy, Fr. Phil, and YOU! There are too many to accurately list, and many more in between those listed here, but these are my shepherds, these people have led and fed me.
"Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. " - Matthew 6: 41-42
In being fed, I am not only nourished, but there is an implied investment in my being sustained. My Lord, and those who have taken the time to teach me, and feed me with their love and trust, have done so because they want me around. They want me to participate and grow. They want me to feed others.
So as we move away from the star of Epiphany, choosing another road for 2013, and we renew our Baptism to continue our path as disciples, let us also stay aware of our need to be led and fed by our God, and the many who care for us, and invest in us to BE and DO this thing called life.
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