Sixteenth Sunday of the Year: B: July 21, 2024

 JESUS THE COMPASSIONATE AND KIND SHEPHERD

First Reading: Jeremiah 23: 1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 2: 13-18

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 30-34

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah sternly warns the leaders of Israel regarding their laxity and unfaithfulness in their duty of taking care of the chosen people of the Lord God. Instead of looking after the needs of the people, they scatter them. Through Jeremiah, the Lord God severely indicts the shepherds of Israel who neglected their flock. The Lord God promises that He will send a Shepherd who will take care of His flock. The promised future leader will be from the lineage of King David - an allusion to Jesus, the future Messiah.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul reminds the Ephesian Christian community that Christ has brought unity of brotherhood to Jews and Gentiles. He has broken all types of hostility and barriers among the people and united all people as children of one Father in heaven. By His death, Christ broke down the wall that divided Jews and Gentiles. Hence, Christ brings peace to everyone who acknowledges Him as his/her saviour and Lord. 

Jesus the compassionate Shepherd                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A short description about the return of the twelve Apostles after their missionary journey is given. Jesus invites them to come to a lonely place to take some rest. But this rest is very short because of the crowds coming there to listen to the precious words of Jesus and to be healed by Him. Jesus is very much moved with compassion for them and expresses His anguish by saying: 'They are like sheep without a shepherd.' This incident reminds us that even in our busiest days of relentless activities, we need to take adequate rest in the presence of the Lord. It can be any place of our choice: In the quietness of the Chapel, where the Lord is sacramentally present or it can be a corner of our room or in the garden, where we can quietly listen to the comforting and soothing words of the loving and compassionate Shepherd. When we listen to the Lord, we are able to discover deep within  us a new source of strength and energy. As we experience the love and care of the Good Shepherd, we in turn are invited to make use of this gift to care for and to be compassionate to others in need. Those who encountered Christ, especially the Apostles and saints, had an anchor in their lives. That anchor is the care and concern of the Good Shepherd. Let us emulate their example in our own lives. Biblical Resource says: "While there is always more to be done, we have to choose how to use our time."  Jesus said to His disciples: 'Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give to rest. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls". May the  Good Shepherd bless you all and may you find time to listen to the Lord and be blessed by Him and in turn be a blessing to others who are in need. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)