Leading Rightly the Flock of God

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 18 July 2021

Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6: Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

(Picture courtesy: Jean-Marc Arakelian)

To listen to my audio reflections please click here 

The running theme in all the readings for this Sunday is "shepherding" or "leading." In Christian faith life the word "shepherd" is not only captivating imagery but also a meaningful metaphor. We may not have sheep or goats in our farms but certainly, we do own cows and many of our families make living by this livestock. When we take care of our cows well by providing good fodder and other necessary things for their well-being, they too in turn make our living possible.

1. God decides our destiny and not the leaders

Perhaps, we should use in our context the word "leader" instead of "shepherd." In the Old Testament, another title for prophets and kings is the shepherd. What good shepherds do? Basically, they take care of the sheep with utmost interest and strength. Prophet Jeremiah is upset with those who were called to take care of the people of God. Instead of being good and caring, the leaders have become corrupt, unjust and wicked. The leaders of Israel have been godless and fanciful in their teachings and misled and scattered God's people. Prophet Jeremiah says: "Their course is evil, and their might is not right. Both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in my house I have found their wickedness" (Jer 23:10-11). These strong words of the prophet tell us how ugly the situation of those who were supposed to take care of. The prophets and leaders of the time of Jeremiah were no better than what we have today in our country. 

In God, everything has a time. In God, everyone has a place. In God, everyone finds his or her destiny. And in God, everyone will find his or her ultimate end. In God, we have experienced patience and power. During the time of the second wave of corona infection, we almost felt that we are all dying and there is no end to our suffering. But God has his own way of leading us in spite of our poor management of the health care system, disorganized bureaucratic system and corrupt political system. God heard the cry of us.  If life has taught us one thing it must be that we cannot live it alone.  God has his final word in everything. In God everything is possible. God knows to "execute justice and righteousness in the land" (Jer 23:5). Without Him we are defenceless; with Him we are safe.

2. Success depends on how I recharge myself

Certainly, the life of Jesus was hectic and full of actions. However, he has time for everyone including to his disciples whom he had sent on a mission experiment. Now Jesus wants to spend quality time with them in order to reflect and relive the experience of the disciples. Jesus chooses a lonely place to reflect over the disciples' experience in a prayerful way. The words used here are “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while” (Mk 6:30).  After heavy work, there must be time off to take stock of the work done. This enables the disciple to take care of their physical and spiritual life. A mission is successful when we have time for everything including personal and the community. The rhythm of the Christian life is a continuous going into the presence of God and from the presence of humanity and coming out into the presence of humanity from the presence of God. An integrated Christian life is that when one gives time to God. How can we shoulder life's burdens if we have no contact with Him who is the Lord of all good life?

Often there is a tendency in our world today that I must be busy always. With electronic devices in our hands, there is too much of restlessness to know who sends the message and what message has been delivered. This is nothing but a non-sensible way of living. We must make time for something that enlivens, enhances and complements my quality of life and of others. To do God's work effectively, we need periodic rest and renewal. Feeling distracted with little things or not being able to concentrate is of no use at all for a life which tries to be productive. Therefore we need time to rest and pray, to go to our own "lonely place" and recharge our spiritual batteries. 

3. A life embodied with Gospel values

The life of Jesus was amazing. He had time in spite of taking time off from the people. When he looks at the curiosity and interest in listening to him, he wastes no time to instruct and heal them. His level of energy is simply astonishing.  In spite of his busyness, he is quick in noticing the needs of those people. The scripture says: "And he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things" (Mk 6:34). Moreover, people saw in Jesus the Lord, the good shepherd: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11), the king they’ve been waiting for (Hosea 3:1–5). Their hunger was met with his compassion and returned with God's abundant love. In other words, Jesus teaches us to be with those on the margins, those who really need us to shepherd. How often do we get annoyed when people place before us with their repeated requests? How many bishops, priests and nuns do not want to be disturbed after lunch when people come to meet them? Often we the clergy have become permanent siesta people! In the words of Pope Francis, shepherds without the smell of the sheep. In Jesus, his privacy was not invaded, the pathos of people become his own.

Today the good news is not preached from the rooftops but through our concrete work and lifestyle. Our life witness is the best way to preach the Gospel. There are unexpected opportunities that come on our way to preach the Good News and to bring hope and healing to others when we see them struggling. A life embodied with prayer will help in moulding a strong spiritual vibration and pass on them to others. Our encounter with every other person then becomes bringing the words of comfort and solace, joy and peace to others. When we do God's work we are never alone. God is with us.

Questions for reflections:

1. What does it mean to you when you hear in the scriptures "God is my shepherd"?

2. When did you experience truly that God is your shepherd?

3. What are those qualities of a good shepherd you would like to integrate into your life?

4. How often do I think of resting with Jesus?

Prayer: Gracious God, into our busy lives,  bring your peace and tranquillity, your love and compassion, so that we, in turn, may bring the joy of the Good News to all and show Your caring face to others through our actions. Help us Lord, to move 

                   From judging to understanding

                   From anticipating to participating

                   From fear to trust

                   From controlling to including

                   From feeling overwhelming to gratitude for our full life

                   And from anxiety to your peace.

                we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

You may like to listen to this beautiful hymn Shepherd me O Lord for those to whom music speaks. This song is just about perfect for today’s readings.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

17th July 2021