Following Jesus is Falling in Love with Persons

These days I have been reading a short novel The Shepherd written by Joseph F. Girzone. The story begins with the episcopal ordination of Fr. David Campbell. David Campbell is a very devout and loyal Catholic Priest, noted especially for his exact observation of the norms of the Catholic Church. On the night after the episcopal consecration, God reveals in his prayer that as a Bishop he is called to be Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Bp. Campbell exercises his ministry conscious of the invitation extended by the Lord - the Good Shepherd. With this attitudinal transformation, he begins to resolve every issue with goodness, kindness and love. The Local Church, as a result, experiences a lot of changes like integration of marriage and priesthood, women deacons, church administration by the lay people, reunion of Christians. But the Bishop suffers a hard time, scrutinized by the traditionalists of the Church. When he is badly hit, the Pope saves his face. Bp. Campbel is then transferred to a remote diocese. The pope ordains him as the archbishop and then asks him to put down in papers all his proposals for the new Church, which he envisages. The story ends dramatically with Bp. Campbel becoming the new Pope.

 

Strict Disciplinarian, Abled Administrator, Great Organiser, often these become the key phrases to mark a  SUCCESSFUL Religious life. We are very good administrators!! The way we excel in the administration of institutions of various kinds is amazing, sadly but it occurs with the neglect of our minstry to persons/individuals.. This novel invites us following the example of Bp.Campbell to get in touch with persons. Since, Our Lord Jesus is beyond all institutions, rules and discipline. He did not organize mega events. Instead he visited people especially the poor, the sick, the marginalised,, moved around, preached values of the kingdom, and finally died for us... Thus everyone felt the special love of JESUS. He loves and keeps on loving.  The book is an invitation to imitate him.

READ this book, you will enjoy it!

MARTIN SDB