Ten Second Tom

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. “

Jesus instructed Peter, the first Pope, to tend to his flock and feed his sheep. This is the purpose of the clergy. Yet, one of the common reasons Catholics give for leaving the Church for another faith tradition is that they aren’t getting anything out of Mass. They aren’t being fed. Hungry sheep wander off in search of nourishment.

My brothers in diaconate formation and I are getting ready to start our second year of instruction on homiletics. When Catholic clergy preach during the Mass they give homilies, not sermons. Protestants typically give sermons during their services. A sermon is preaching about anything the pastor wants to preach about. A homily is a bit different. A good homily takes the readings from the Mass and makes them relevant for the people today. There is a bit of instruction, maybe even a challenge. It is the primary place where we feed the flock.

We have been told by our instructors that we are to take no more than five minutes to give our homilies. We can stretch that to seven minutes for a Sunday Mass. Shorter is always encouraged. One instructor even told us that we need to hone our skills so we can get a homily said in a minute or less. A former pastor was able to give an effective homily in just five words. Many of today’s parishioners don’t have the attention spans or patience for much more.

But is this really wise? Our Lord has instructed us to feed his flock and the flock is fleeing in search of food. The ones who are still here are looking at their watches and if you go too long they tune out. Bringing the hard message, the message that needs to be said, is next to impossible any more. We almost have to spoon feed people sugary, processed foods or they throw a fit and hold their breath until they turn blue. We have brought the fast food culture to Church. Get it fast and go. The food is eatable but living on it will make you sick.

The flock no longer wishes to be fed. They want to be affirmed instead. They want to feel good about themselves with as little work as possible. This is why preachers like Joel Olsteen and mega churches have become so popular. You can go to church, drink your coffee, and come away feeling good about yourself without the need to actually do very much in the way of being a Christian.

Look at the rewards society is reaping because of this. Fathers are inconsequential and the traditional family is under attack. Society is polarized with anger and hate ruling the day. Anything goes and even your gender is up to self identification without question. The flock is lost and scattered. The wolves are feasting without opposition. The bleats of desperation are deafening.

We need good shepherds willing to use their voices to draw the sheep together as a flock again. We need a flock willing to listen to the shepherds. We need a people willing to live as Christians and cast aside anger and hate and show love to everyone, not just those who parrot the same things they do.

Be the candle in the darkness.