Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (Year B)

Sixteenth Sunday of the Year July 21, 2024

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

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Once, a man went to see a friend who was a professor at a great university. However, as they sat chatting in the professor’s office, they were continually interrupted by students who came knocking at the door, seeking the professor’s advice about something or the other. Each time the professor rose from his chair, went to the door, and dealt with the student’s request. Eventually, the visitor asked the professor, “How do you manage to get your work done with so many interruptions?” “At first, I used to resent the interruptions to my work. But one day it suddenly dawned on me that the interruptions were my work.” the professor replied. He made his work consist of being available to his students. And it was by no coincidence that he was the happiest and most fulfilled professor on the campus. He was a true shepherd caring for the sheep entrusted to his care.

The first reading begins with the sentence, “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the Lord. However, today's gospel begins with the sentence, “The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught.” Very remarkable contrast. In the story we find a man who makes the quality of a good shepherd a reality in his life.

All shepherds: pastors, religious, church leaders, and priests too are called to become a part of Jesus by resting with Him and reflecting on Him. Jesus' apostles were so involved in the ministry that they had no time even to eat. Thus, like a shepherd leading his flock to restful waters, Jesus leads them to a lonely place - for rest, reflection and recreation. Many shepherds - Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi -spent many hours in silence before starting their daily work. A prayer of Tagore is so apt: "Lord, I ask for a moment's indulgence to sit by your side. The work I have in hand I will finish afterward. Now it is time to sit quiet, face-to-face with Thee, and to sing dedication of life in this silent overflowing leisure."

Today’s Gospel vividly portrays Jesus’ deep compassion. His invitation to the apostles to rest signifies His understanding of human needs. Yet, His immediate response to the crowd’s spiritual hunger shows His boundless empathy. This dual focus on caring for His disciples and the multitude highlights Jesus’ holistic approach to shepherding.

In our own lives, we often face the tension between needing rest and the pressing demands of those around us. Jesus’ example teaches us the importance of balance. While rest and self-care are essential, so is responding to the needs of others with compassion. Our challenge is to find a rhythm that honors both.

Jeremiah’s critique of the bad shepherds and God’s promise to raise up good ones invite us to reflect on our leadership, whether in families, communities, or the church. Good shepherds are marked by their dedication to the well-being of those they lead. They gather, protect, and guide, rather than scatter and harm.

Today, we see many “sheep without a shepherd” – people searching for meaning, love, and direction. As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet, extending His shepherding care to those around us. This means being attentive to the needs of others, offering guidance, and providing a sense of belonging and security.

As we reflect on the readings, let us draw inspiration from Jesus, our Good Shepherd. May we strive to emulate His compassion, balance the demands of life with care for others, and work towards unity and reconciliation in our communities. Let us trust in the Lord’s guidance, knowing that He leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. In following Him, we too can become shepherds who bring His love and care to a world in need.

Happy Sunday