Reflection for Sunday, July 18th

Reflection for 16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 18, 2021

Jeremiah 23:1-6: In this passage, the voice of God begins as a warning that destructive religious leaders or shepherds who take advantage of the people will be punished. The angry voice of God is mixed with a lament over the suffering of the people due to poor leadership. The passage alludes to the scattering and enslavement of the people via the Babylonian Captivity. Now, the prophet adopts a more hopeful message from God, promising to replace weak and ineffective and evil leaders with ones who will re-gather the flock from exile and plant them, again in their own land. The passage ends with an even greater promise; the “raising up” of “a shoot,” or descendant of David, (Jesus), Who, as promised, will rule wisely, producing justice, righteousness and peace.

Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” In this comforting psalm, Jesus, the Good Shepherd and descendant of David, as foretold by Jeremiah, is described. We’re told in this song of comfort and celebration that the Lord brings His people to rest and repose; refreshing their souls. As promised, He is a righteous and strong ruler, who will establish a just order to His flock and protect them so that they will feel safe and secure. We are further reassured that the Lord, the Good Shepherd, will bring prosperity, goodness, kindness and life-long and eternal security. Thy Kingdom come, O Lord!

Ephesians 2:13-18: Today, St. Paul proclaims Jesus as our peace, who has brought together the Gentiles and the Jews, who were formerly in opposition to one another. St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians has 8 references to peace, and 4 of them are in this little passage. This passage reflects on the peace that comes from forming one combined “person”, or Christian community out of what had been two divergent groups; Jews and Gentiles. The consequent unitive peace between the two groups is applauded and appreciated. The passage ends with acknowledgement that Jesus preached peace to both groups; however far off they were and that He (Jesus) gave both groups access to our Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit. Both groups now have been confirmed with the Holy Spirit through the Pentecost experience.

Mark 6:30-34: The theme of Jesus as the kind Shepherd of Peace continues with this reading. Tired disciples recount their progress evangelizing and ministering to others. Jesus invites them to “come away and rest awhile. We’re told that they didn’t even have time to eat, due to peoples’ great needs. The disciples went with Jesus to “a deserted place,” as suggested; only to find that the watchful crowds got there, first.
Now, we’re told, more about our kind Shepherd, Jesus. When Jesus sees the crowds, we’re told that “His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.”: Just as foretold by Jeremiah, they lacked a leader. Also foretold, a descendant of David, Jesus, promised centuries beforehand, was here. Jesus taught them many things. Jesus, also has told us many things about Himself, via this Sunday’s readings. Jesus is the Shepherd of Peace. He is wise and kind and He has pity and compassion for sheep, suffering without a good shepherd. He is truthful and just and promotes love, unity and regard for the common good. Jesus is the Good Shepherd for His time, for our time and for all time! Let’s find a deserted place and rest with Him and pray with Him and help Him to minister to His people. 

Meaningfully,

Deacon Matt