God’s Simple Messengers: The Shepherds’ Lesson for Our Parish Community

Pastoral Reflection (based on the reading for mass at dawn)

The shepherds referenced here by St. Luke were remarkably simple people who lived in the fields among the sheep. We have romanticized the idea of the shepherds and turned them into cute Knick Knacks for our nativity sets. But what is said by St. Luke is actually shocking! “All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds!” And what the shepherds told the people was the message they had received from the angels; namely, that the Christ (messiah) had been born. The fact that people were amazed does not mean they believed the shepherds! Swarms of people did not come out from Bethlehem to see him. The only other account we have of visitors were the magi in St. Matthew’s gospel. Proof once again that God uses the simple people of the earth to tell His story, to tell of His might and glory. Most people who come to our churches feel that they are simple people. They are not famous, nor do they wish to be. Their lives are not perfect, and they humbly rely on God’s grace to bring about a perfection which we humans, unaided, can never achieve. Let those who feel simple and in need of God’s grace be welcome in our church, just as the visiting shepherds were at the manger.

Call to action: With so many visitors, family members, and former parishioners visiting this weekend it is a critical moment for connection with them. Please do use your GC Smart Tools to assist you in making these connections. Use your text number, your QR code, your pew cards, banners, bulletin announcements, greeters, pulpit announcements – every means you have to get the information you need for growing your parish and widening the circle of relationships among your people! These next few days are busy, but GiveCentral stands ready to help! Don’t be afraid to call us or contact us at support@givecentral.org with any question or request you have.

Pastoral Action Points

1. Make sure your ushers/greeters/staff personnel are ready and keep the pew cards restocked for each mass and service this weekend.
   
2. You don’t get second chances to make first impressions. Have your staff or volunteers ready to keep your lavatories clean and well stocked between each mass or service! You want your church to look great and be welcoming.
   
3. Ask your High School aged youth to get involved as extra greeters and information ambassadors for this weekend! It will be a wonderful experience for them, and it will help visitors feel wanted and welcome.

Last modified: August 9, 2024