A lesson learned

     Last evening at our parish we gathered to celebrate the First Reconciliation of our second grade youngsters - about thirty in number this year.  This experience of First Confession can be a frightening experience, as I remember in the dark confessional box of years ago, but I strive to reassure the youngsters that it is anything but scary.   Rather it is an experience of the wonderful love of God for us in Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  In fact, that was the theme of the service - Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

     Sister Charlene and the catechists had the image of the Good Shepherd in front of the altar, and after each child received the sacrament they were to place a small lamb, representing themselves, around the Good Shepherd.  A great image.

     I was busy "hearing" confessions, so I did not get to survey the scene until this morning at Mass.  All of the little lambs are of white felt.  Coming to the altar I noticed that one had silver and gold spots on it ... another looked somewhat like a Dalmatian with spots ... and one was very different with shades of blue and pink?  I smiled.  The readings this morning echoed the readings from last evening - the Good Shepherd.  They fell on the feast of a good shepherd - Nicholas - who served as a loving bishop long ago and as an inspiration even today.  I was reminded of something I read or heard recently that the Good Shepherd is shepherd of ALL the sheep, the good and the bad, the white and the black sheep.  Seeing the varied colored "sheep" gather around the image of the Good Shepherd was a reminder that our God is very inclusive, the lover of all, and the shepherd of an interesting flock.  He calls us to himself, from our diversity, in our uniqueness, to a unity and a life that only he can offer.  He is, indeed, a Good Shepherd.

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     A side note ... we also invited parents and families to receive the Sacrament.  One young lady in maybe fifth or sixth grade received, and as she returned to her place, passed her Mom who was next in line, stopped, touched her on the arm, and said something.  Curious, I asked Mom what she said. her Mom said she told her "don't be nervous".  Good advice ... from the young to the grown ups.  I smiled.