The Good Shepherd

First Reading: Jer 23:1-6

Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds. I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply. I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the LORD.

Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: "The LORD our justice."

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

Second Reading: Eph 2:13-18

Brothers and sisters:

In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ.

For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Gospel Mk 6:30-34

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, " Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflection

By Beth Eguia

Shepherding is one of the oldest occupations beginning some 6,000 years ago in Asia Minor. The duty of shepherds was to keep their flock intact and protect it from wolves and other predators. The shepherd was also to supervise the migration of the flock and ensured they made it to market areas in time for shearing.


Each of us is called to be a shepherd for others. It could be like a supervisor guiding his team on how to perform their tasks or maybe a parent who ensures his child is protected and secure from harm and danger. God saw how bad shepherds (i.e. kings, high priests, leaders, etc.) misguided His people leading them to sin and evil deeds. But because of His love for mankind, He sent prophets. The greatest of all He did was sending His Son Jesus Christ for us. God sees the empty space that occupies the heart of every man. He felt the longing we need to be loved, to be understood, to be protected and be secured. Jesus gave us the assurance that He will be there for us at all times. All we need to do is seek Him.

“People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.”

We can be a good shepherd like Jesus. How? We have to completely entrust everything to God. No matter how sinful we had been, God knew we have positive strengths within us and He wanted to tap us on that. We heard of great preachers like Mike Velarde and Bo Sanchez who were once ordinary and sinful individuals but who had admitted their faults and have let God handle their lives. Lo and behold! Now how many sheep have they led back to God? We should also be an example for others. Practice what we preach. We should also know how to stop and take rest. Our mind and body require nourishment. We need re-fueling. This can only be done by having a silent moment, to reflect and ask for His guidance.

Prayer

Dear God, teach us to be a good shepherd like You. Oftentimes, we neglect this opportunity to serve others. May we be open to Your calling, accept and live as an example for others. Amen.