July 18 - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Jer 23:1-6; Eph 2:13-18; Mk 6:30-34)
The metaphor of shepherding was widely used in the ancient world to describe the responsibility of kings and leaders toward their people. This passage from Jeremiah speaks of judgment upon the kings of Judah, the “bad shepherds.” God promises he will appoint good shepherds. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep and through the ministry of his Church, he trains shepherds to carry on his work of salvation. Psalm 23 reminds us: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Ephesians reflects the transforming power of the new Covenant; through his Passion, Death, and Resurrection Christ has united himself with humanity, so “that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace.” Jesus, the Good Shepherd, brings about true peace for his flock by offering union with God through himself to all, whether Jew or Gentile. By uniting ourselves more closely to him, we are able to experience his peace that the world cannot give. In Mark Jesus invites the apostles to a time of retreat after they return from their first mission. The people follow them; despite his desire for a time of rest and quiet both for himself and his apostles he doesn’t chase the people away. Jesus is training the apostles, his new shepherds, in a life of unselfish service. As the Good Shepherd, he will give you the strength to follow in his footsteps.