Affection To My Shepherd

This is a letter that I wrote to my Ex-Father General which I converted into a simple reflection, hoping that I will also enlighten you, my friends.

Dear Fr. Teresino,

The unworthy little sheep wandered in the remote field of Chikowa, in the heart of Zambia, Africa. Perhaps, lonely and thinking, he moved alone. But deep in his heart, he knew that he is lavished with loved and affection. Realizing of such immensity of love, he went down the hill, playing, running up and down, here and there, full of delight, vibrant and joyful. Inside of this little sheep is a wandering soul, for he gives the best attention to little things he sees on the way.

The shepherd is from Rome. He came to see his flock one time. To the delight of the little sheep, he came closer to the shepherd, bent down and stayed silent. The shepherd caressed the vulnerable little lamb, brushed the scattered fur with his fingers, talked with him, as if he knew him in the past. That was the shepherd’s affection. In response to this affection, though the little sheep have seen the shepherd for the first time, he bent down more and more, in an act of reverence, enjoyed the caress and affection and bowed its head down in complete surrender. He has heard about the shepherd many times, so he did not have the difficulties of knowing him more. Like a little lamb, he brushed his head, his tiny little growing horn, and his nostrils on the feet of the shepherd. He showed his fragility for he is a sheep so vulnerable needing the affection of the loving shepherd.

Back to Chikowa, the little lamb continues thinking and praying for his shepherd. There is no distance, for he reaches him in prayer. When the sheep is in the field, in the villages, spending nights with other little sheep, among hungry and sickly sheep, he thinks of his shepherd. When the little sheep is having difficulties, struggling of the scorching heat of the sun, recovering from flu because of the humidity and allergies, he offers these sacrifices for his shepherd. He knows deep within, for whatever reason or difficulties, the shepherd is leading the vulnerable little sheep to the ‘golden gate.’

I guess this is the real relationship; the sheep can name his own shepherd. He can articulate his own emotion; he can brush his head with affection, touch his feet and sing merrily in any circumstances. In the same way, the shepherd never allows his sheep to get lost. No matter how simple or small the little sheep, he is worth of an attention. How much more to a vulnerable little one! He might be unworthy, but like a little baby, babbling and raising both hands, asking to be lifted up, to be carried and caressed. This little sheep is worth that.
This is the way my dearest Father Teresino I have seen my unworthy little soul. Very much fragile and dependent to the cares of others. I know, like Little Therese, there is a way, a very little way to reach heaven. I am far from being like her, I could never be. I am a nobody to think of heaven in that way. You can carry this little sheep on your shoulder as you pray. My soul is weightless, so there is no problem for you.

I hope you have a meaningful meeting in Chad, and that confreres are very receptive. I truly believe you have such a heavy responsibility around the world. It is not easy to travel all the time, and coming back, the desk is full of letters, reports, cases and correspondence. At times, crazy letters from a rascal like me, he he he. God bless you my dear.

Life is moving so well in Chikowa. After the terrible heat wave, now we have the rain, which keeps us very far from people, unable to cross some places and leaving some outstations isolated until the summer time. We shall have a very hectic December. I fear I would really become a bush man, for most of my activities are in the villages, sleeping there and preparing them for the advent and for the rites next year. This is what it calls for! Pray for strength and perseverance for your little sheep. He often thinks of you.

Lots of love,
From you unworthy little sheep.

Raul