You Are One of the Flock

~~~Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time~~~

~~~ Jeremiah 23:1-6 ~~ Psalm 23 ~~ Ephesians 2:13-18 ~~~ 

~~~ Mark 6:30-34 ~~~

...they were like sheep without a shepherd;

and he began to teach them many things.

Jesus is the model shepherd because he recognizes the sheep 

even before the sheep recognize him.

Jesus goes off in the boat for some much needed rest.

The crowd, witnessing his action, quickly proceeds

 to the other side of the lake ahead of him.

Jesus could have reclined in the bottom of the boat for some rest,

but he does not. Instead he sees the vast crowd

 with mercy and love in his heart.

A shepherd would never leave his sheep unattended,

especially those in most need of him.

Jesus saw this crowd as his very own sheep.

How could he turn them away?

How could he ignore them?

How could he not use their hunger to teach them?

The crowd had needs, wants...desires...

they were searching for a shepherd to lead them.

They were looking for the one who could heal and forgive.

They were the lost sheep being drawn toward the shepherd.

In the past they had been fooled and mislead by those

 who appointed themselves as shepherd.

This time something was different.

This time Jesus was the true shepherd...

the one shepherd who cared for them more than anyone.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Jesus stands before this crowd gathering them to himself.

Deep within their hearts this shepherd

 would give them peace and rest.

Even as the crowd stood together

 their hearts were being touched individually. 

They experienced the goodness and the kindness

 of this Divine Shepherd.

That day all present heard the message of peace.

Jesus brought to them the 'Spirit of the Father'.

Some left that day changed forever,

while others continued to search for many years in vain.

Hearing the shepherd does not always mean the sheep

 will respond with the initial call.

Shepherd me, O God,

beyond my wants beyond my fears

to everlasting life.

The Shepherd speaks to you amidst the crowd.

One by one he calls his sheep to himself.

Fear no evil; for He is at your side...

Blessing you.

~~~Peace~~~