Excerpt from Today’s Reading:
"If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills
and go in search of the stray?"
Matthew 18:12
I have a complicated relationship with today’s Gospel reading. On the one hand, I take great comfort in the story of the Good Shepherd who leaves behind 99 sheep to go after the one who is lost. As a sin-prone human being, I wander away from the people who give me life, love me, and keep me safe. The Good Shepherd sees me in danger and carries me back to right relationship with the others.
On the other hand, I’ve seen this passage used to describe LGBTQ Catholics, and I have questions. It’s no secret that LGBTQ people feel excluded in the church. We’re often characterized as lost sheep, the ones that have escaped the heterosexual fold, and we’re told that Jesus leaves the 99 others to rescue us. From what, though? Our Pride? Our loves? The gift of LGBTQ community?
Queer folks often don’t need saving, especially by those who have their own ideas for what our lives should look like. We know better than anyone else who we are and what keeps us safe. As queer Catholics, we know when we’re in the center of the fold, right where we belong. Most queer Catholics are far more certain of God’s love for them than a straight folks I know. Years of wrestling with religion-based homophobia and transphobia builds up incredible spiritual strength and stamina. The institutional church would do well to pay attention.
In my reading, the wayward sheep are those who reject God’s work in LGBTQ relationships and identities. These are the ones who are separated from Christ’s love and Christian fellowship, not the other way around.
This Advent, say a prayer for Christians who cannot countenance God’s love in LGBTQ lives— especially those who are Catholic leaders. So many of our shepherds have separated themselves from the flock. They are cold, alone, and to be pitied.
Stay close to other queer Christians. These precious ones provide the warmth and security of community and assure us we belong. As part of God’s flock we’re safe under the careful watch of the Good Shepherd. The lost sheep will return in due time, and we’ll show them what love and care really mean.
Jason S.