THE SCRIPTURES WE proclaim today are especially important for us in the Diocese of Brooklyn as they employ in the first reading and the Gospel the image of a shepherd.
In just a few days time, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, by the selection of Pope Francis and with the pope’s mandate, will ordain to the episcopacy two priests for service as auxiliary bishops in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Bishop James Massa and Bishop Witold Mroziewski, ordained bishops in their own right, will be assistant bishops to Bishop DiMarzio, along with Bishop Raymond Chappetto, Bishop Paul Sanchez and Bishop Octavio Cisneros, (as well as our retired auxiliaries, Bishop Guy Sansaricq and Bishop Rene Valero and our retired ordinary, Bishop Thomas V. Daily) to help shepherd the very large and very complex Diocese of Brooklyn.
The chief image of the bishop’s office is to be the shepherd. Indeed, the crosier (the pastoral staff) carried by bishops is a reminder to us of this important role. The crosier should evoke in our minds the image of the shepherd, using his staff to gently guide the sheep entrusted to his care. The role of the bishop is clearly delineated according to the Vatican II document, “Christus Dominus” (Decree Concerning the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church). He is called to teach, to administrate and to sanctify.
Concerning teaching, we need to look at what the first reading offered to us today and to see the Prophet Jeremiah’s admonition against false shepherds “who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture.”
The bishop is called to be a true teacher, one who is consistent with the correct and orthodox doctrine of the Church. He is called to lead us to the truth, to call us to fall in love ever more deeply with the one who is Himself love, Christ Jesus the Lord. The bishop must know the faith and be able to communicate that faith to the flock given to his care. We are blessed in the sense that not only do our new bishops have the academic credentials in theology and canon law, but also are true communicators and teachers of the faith.
Concerning administration, the bishop needs to be the one who is responsible for the good order of the Church. Caring more for the people of God than his own personal good, the bishop must always, like a true father of a family, be the one willing to make the difficult decisions for the good of the People of God. The bishop has to be the one to make wise, prudential judgments, even if they are not popular ones for the sake of the temporal and spiritual good of the Church.
Concerning sanctification, the bishop sanctifies not only by the reverent and worthy celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments, but also in his manner of life. As a shepherd to God’s people, he is also a shepherd to the priests and deacons, and must serve as a model of holiness for the clergy.
Being a bishop is a great honor and we are so very proud of our bishops here in Brooklyn. It is an amazing thing that we are blessed with so many bishops in our diocese, a testament to the vibrancy of the faith of the people of God in Queens and Brooklyn, as well as the leadership of Bishop DiMarzio, all recognized by His Holiness, Pope Francis.
Being a bishop is a great responsibility as well. Therefore, this weekend, as we prepare for the ordinations of Bishops Mroziewski and Massa, let’s not forget to pray for them. Let’s thank God for their priesthood, and as they receive from Bishop DiMarzio’s hands the fullness of the priesthood, let’s pray:
“God, eternal shepherd, you tend your Church in many ways and rule us with love. You have chosen your servants, James and Witold, to be shepherds of your flock. Give them a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to their care, may they build your Church as a sign of salvation for the world.” (Prayer for a Bishop, A Catholic Prayer Book)
Readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 23: 1-6
Psalm 23: 1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Ephesians 2: 13-18
Mark 6: 30-34
Father John P. Cush, a Brooklyn priest, is assistant vice-rector of the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State.
