Every pope and bishop has a pectoral cross. The one that is currently worn by Pope Francis is based upon today’s Gospel passage. In the middle of this cross we see Jesus who is the Good Shepherd. Here He has found the lost sheep and now has it placed it gently upon His shoulders. He is surrounded by the flock of sheep which have stayed obediently by His side. At the top of the cross we see a dove which represents to us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is found helping those who are lost and in darkness in order that they may be brought to new life.
To go in search of the one lost sheep does not mean that we are to abandon our faith, our teachings, and our morals in order to make them happy. To go in search for the lost sheep is to bring the fullness of faith to others in order that they may be snatched up by the truth of the Gospel message. As a Church we need to learn to walk with those who are astray in order that we may assist them in coming back into the flock of Christ’s Church on earth.
Between the years 2000 and 2009 10.1% of adults Catholics have left the Church. The reasons given: life is too busy, they don’t understand the Church’s teachings, scandals, they have married someone of a different faith tradition, they are looking for a more vibrant church life, and it is simply easier to become Protestant. When it comes to young adults 50% no longer practice their faith. It has been said that fallen away Catholics may be America’s largest Christian denomination.
These are troubling numbers, but at the same time they must remind us that we have a lot of work to do in the abundant harvest of the Lord. These numbers tell me that the faithful need to educate themselves better upon the Church’s teachings. These numbers tell me that we have done a poor job when it comes to educating others concerning the reality of the Eucharist. If one comes to believe that the Eucharist is truly Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divnity there would be no reason to leave the Church.
No matter how small or large a parish may be we very much so are a missionary people. We cannot allow ourself to become complacent. After all, it was at the Great Commission that Jesus said unto His disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” We do this in the words that we proclaim with our lips and we do this through the actions that we accomplish. Hopefully these words and deeds do not detract from the Gospel message, but invite others to partake of it.
