Reflection by Deacon Matt

Reflection for 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 21, 2024

Jer. 23:1-6: With the power accorded to religious and government leaders comes solemn responsibilities. The most basic responsibilities of religious leaders, or “shepherds” is to convey the Truth about God, God’s love for us, and the faith. Shepherds or pastors are to disseminate among God’s people, God’s plan for the Salvation and redemption of all. When shepherds are effectively ministering to their flocks, they sow unity, cohesion and mutual caring among members of the flock. When flocks are fraught with disunity, conflict and neglect of practicing the faith, it’s a sign that evil has entered in. Jesus said: “By their fruits, you shall know them…” (false prophets or misguided leaders). Let’s pray for our leaders to be loving, wise and holy teachers of God’s Truth. “Flocks” will then grow and be holy!

Psalm 23: “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” This beautiful and iconic psalm shows us Jesus as the Ultimate Shepherd; bringing the flock to a place of perfect serenity and peace… Heaven! The second verse of this psalm depicts the “earthly phase” of our journey to Heaven. We’re reassured that, though there will be times of darkness, (trials and tribulations); we can face them with the courage, faith and confidence that come from knowing that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is always accompanying us… at all times… good and bad.

The third verse of the psalm depicts the “experience of Heaven” that awaits us. We will receive the rewards and blessed consequences of our efforts to live the faith and to serve and evangelize others. After all, we’re all called to make efforts to be shepherds; sincerely trying to evangelize and encourage others around us to believe in God and to obey the tenets of our faith. This responsibility is something we all share in, as a result of our baptisms; when we’re anointed to become part of the “community priesthood” of believers.

Eph. 2:13-18: As St. Paul proclaims here, Jesus is the perfect Shepherd for fostering unity among members of the flock. Jesus draws all together, in One Body (the Church); which is mystically commingled with Jesus’ own Body and Blood, in the Eucharist. There is no greater unity and oneness than this! By His Holy Sacrifice of Himself, Jesus bore the “fruit” of His Mission and message of Love… the Eucharist! This bears contemplation and reflection. When we receive the Eucharist, we literally become one with Jesus, Himself when we take Him inside of ourselves to become one with His very being! As we consume and are consumed by the Holy Eucharist, we pray in thanksgiving for eternal union with our Creator, Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

Mark 6:30-34:  As we continue our focus on the importance of good shepherds and leaders, we witness Jesus, as a Heavenly role-model, teaching His “apprentice-shepherds;” how to be good leaders.

Jesus leads by example. He knows the importance of a healthy balance between “work” and “play,” so Jesus brings the Apostles to a place of retreat, in order to rejuvenate them. They are all tired and overwhelmed from the demands of ministry. Then, Jesus, though still exhausted, notices the needy crowd “like sheep without a shepherd.” Our ultimate role-model, Jesus, “was moved with pity for them,” so “He began to teach them.”
This week, let’s watch for opportunities to serve; even when we feel tired, overwhelmed and “empty.” Let’s ask Jesus to fill us with spiritual strength and energy to serve!  We shall be rejuvenated. 
             
Ponderously, 
Deacon Matt