Sunday July 18, 2021
Jer. 23, 1-6; Ps. 23; Eph. 2, 13-18; Mk. 6, 30-34
By +Guy Sansaricq
Today, Jesus is introduced to us as the GOOD SHEPHERD in fulfillment of the prophecies of Jeremiah. In the first reading, we hear God announcing that He would send in due time a good shepherd to teach and guide his chosen people. Jesus stands tall as the ONE who fulfills this prophecy through his teaching and mighty deeds.
We also see Jesus sending his Apostles to do the same, to preach and to heal and expel demons. Today, the Apostles are shown returning from their mission. They are exhausted. The mission is not easy. They had experienced rejection and even insults and persecutions. Jesus calls them to rest in a secluded place. Tired people do not function well. Rest like sleep is a necessity of life. Likewise, a good retreat renews our energy.
But as they try to withdraw from the crowd, the people described as being “like sheep without a shepherd” taking note of their escape followed them. Jesus, seeing the hunger of the people for a saving word, rejoiced and renouncing his project of a time of rest, began to TEACH them at length. What do we learn from these texts?
We must listen to the TEACHINGS of Jesus and not close our ears. We must SEEK understanding. We must encounter JESUS. We must eagerly embrace HIM like the crowds of old, as our SAVIOR, our SHEPHERD. We need to be set free of our demons and be healed!
Let’s this hunger for Jesus’ gift of salvation inflame our hearts. Repentance is the first step!