Fr Xavier Writes 21st April 2024

The Diocese of Kumbakonam in the state of Tamilnadu in India covers the whole district areas of Perambalur, Ariyalur where the avocation of life of Catholic people is as agricultural labourers, barring a few having a small landholding, but these parts are rainfed and some with irrigation from open wells. The diocese shares some parts of Trichy, Thanjavour and Thiruvarur districts, where the supply of water for irrigation is from the river Cauvery and its tributaries. This is the fertile delta region of the river Cauvery. In both these areas, most of the Catholics are daily wage workers and some of them are small landholders. Overall, the diocese is rural-based and no cities are in its boundary and so people are simple, poor, pious, church going and much involved in church activities.

The picture of Christ as Good Shepherd tending his sheep is a favourite in Christian circles and people have been comforted and consoled by His seeking out the lost sheep and carrying it on his shoulders. The image provides inspiration, as it expresses the type of care, compassion and guidance which Christ offers to all of us. This instils hope in us and increases our confidence. Even when sin causes us to wander and stray, the Good Shepherd is there to come to our rescue.

We can ask ourselves how we are responding to the closeness of the love and care God has for us. Is it evident by word and example that Christ is the cornerstone of our life, or have we kept him at a safe distance? We, in turn, need to be caring and draw close to those we meet. Sometimes, we deceive ourselves by keeping people at arm’s length, with obligations to nobody.

Caring for one another is shown by discreet acts of kindness, like making a phone call, giving an understanding look, greeting someone or an unexpected gift - all of which say, ‘I am with you’. It offers hope to a friend, to continue on the road of life with a tiny flame of confidence in their heart. Our call from baptism is to have hands to help others, feet to hasten to the poor and needy, eyes to see misery and ears to hear the sighs of our friends in sorrow. This is what being a Good Shepherd really means.

Have a caring week.