Today we celebrate the feast of the founder of the Premonstratensian Order – St. Norbertine. This 12th century German bishop had a conversion experience much like that of St. Paul: lightning struck near him and his horse threw him to the ground where he lay stunned for several hours. When he awoke his first words were: "Lord, what do you want me to do?" and he heard a voice in his heart say: Turn from evil and do good! Seek peace and pursue it!"
After this Norbert retreated in a monastery and turned from his capricious, worldly way of life and was soon ordained a priest. His life became so authentic, genuine and Christ-like that he later was elected bishop and then archbishop of Magdeburg. He was renowned for preaching and caring for the poor. With several companions he founded the Premonstratensian Order for which he also founded monasteries. At the end of his life he did what he could to convince one of two reigning popes to resign – during a schism that had erupted because of this dual election. He died in 1134.
The first reading today ties in nicely with the spirit which moved St. Norbert. Living in a time when there were still very many pagan tribes who were truly the "lost sheep" of God's creation – the ministry of St. Norbert demonstrates God living out the passage from Ezekiel which says that: I, God, myself will look after and tend my sheep. As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark. In good pastures will I pasture them. I will give them rest. The strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal but the sleek and strong I will destroy, shepherding them rightly!
After the heart of Jesus the Good Shepherd who is the real object of this passage – those who Jesus chooses, appoints and sends out (like St. Norbertine of Madgeburg) – also will do the same!
In the gospel passage Jesus reveals to us how the power behind his shepherding works: it is strict adherence to the Father's will. It is single-mindedness and purity of heart! He was able to be a good shepherd because his mind and heart were entirely centered upon his Father, and his Father's will for the unity of the human race. Jesus tells us that turning our focus away from our fathers and mothers, our wives, our husbands, our children, our brothers and sisters – even our own lives – and placing it entirely on the Father and his will is the most productive way to live! This obviously involves a cross – because what he is asking us to do seems an unnatural, painful thing for us to do!
But our faith can tells us that Jesus is correct in his request! And when we actually do what he says: then we can know that it is correct! We can experience the joy, the hope and the peace that comes from being a true disciple!
When the Lord is our shepherd there is nothing we shall want! There cannot possibly be anything of greater value than what God wants to give us, the way he wants to give it!
Thank you God, for loving us so – and for leading us into eternal life!
No comments:
Post a Comment