A Shepherd’s Heart
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 23:1–6 / Psalm 23:1 / Ephesians 2:13–18 / Mark 6:30–34
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Reflecting on the Word
By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.
Recently I heard some statistics that said for every person coming into the Catholic Church, four are leaving it. It is estimated that 33 percent of those baptized Catholic already have left. This is staggering news. Where are they going? Some join other churches; others just drift away. Why do they leave? Different reasons are given, but many said they left because they were not being nourished spiritually.
In the Gospel the disciples have returned from their work of preaching and casting out demons. They brought many stories back with them, telling about all that had happened, all that God had done through them. Jesus noticed they were tired, so he invited them for a rest, a little “R and R.” But when they arrived at their destination, they discovered that a huge crowd had followed them there.
Mark presents Jesus as one whose “heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.” And so he began to teach them. Jesus is a good shepherd, in contrast to the religious leaders Jeremiah speaks of. The religious leaders of his day made God angry. “Woe” is the equivalent of “Damn you.” And for good reason: they were misleading the people, causing them to scatter.
Every age has had its bad shepherds as well as the good ones who have served faithfully. Today more than ever we need good shepherds, as many of those who have served faithfully for years are no longer in active ministry.
Consider/Discuss
- Is God refusing to send good shepherds to lead the people, or are there other reasons for the lack of clergy in the United States?
- Have you ever considered inviting someone to contemplate a vocation to ordination or professed religious life?
Responding to the Word
God, you spoke through Jeremiah, saying you would appoint shepherds to care for your people. In your Son Jesus you gave us a shepherd who laid down his life for us. Answer our need today for shepherds who will be faithful servants, shepherding with compassion and perseverance.