My Good Shepherds

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 July 2018

First reading                                                                     Jeremiah 23:1-6
The Lord says, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: “It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings,” says the Lord.
“Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing,” says the Lord.
“The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.'”

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 2:13-18

Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Gospel                                                                     Mark 6:30-34

The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores


I was born in Manila, but grew up in a far barangay of Cahigam in Rosario, Batangas. I had a simple life and a happy childhood, then. I played under the heat of the sun and enjoyed the cool wind breeze at night. For the whole month of May, I remembered myself picking flowers to offer to Mama Mary for the Flores de Mayo. I really took so much effort to be present each night because of the candies being distributed right after praying the rosary and singing Marian songs in our small chapel. I was so naive that time, not knowing the importance of that tradition.

But, things began to change when a nun named Sister Fe started to preach in our school. Every Monday, she gave an hour talk to us Grade 1 students about the Catholic faith. I didn't realize that I was so curious about the teachings until I bagged the Best in Religion Award during our recognition. Not only once but four times in my elementary years - from Grade 1 to 3 and Grade 5.

From then on, I valued more the Flores de Mayo. I even volunteered to lead the praying of rosary each night. Candies were not my motivation in going to the chapel anymore. Thanks to Sister Fe who enlightened me. She was also the same person who prepared me for my First confession and communion. The very first time I received Holy Communion felt like heaven, being united with Christ. Therefore, I looked forward for more, but circumstance didn’t allow me to, since we lived far from the town. We could not attend Mass every Sunday, and that broke my heart. Good thing that an FM radio station in Lipa City had a live broadcast of the Mass being officiated by then Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles every Sunday at 7:00 o' clock in the morning. From the live radio broadcast, I was able to learn many things that nurtured my faith. I may not be able to receive Christ's body, but His presence already filled me. So again, thank you for the good shepherd in the person of Archbishop Arguelles that God sent me.

All the readings for today clearly tell us how loving and merciful is our Lord. He cares so much for His people as He personally shepherds us, aside from also giving us the priests and consecrated persons that lead us to Him. Jesus saw the vast crowd who were like lost sheep that need to be shephered. So He gave us the priests and consecrated persons.

Today as we continue to reflect on God’s words, may we spend time to thank our shepherds and promise to pray for them as they are also tested in their faith at times.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving me good shepherds because You saw our need to be guided and led to verdant pastures. We promise to cultivate the faith You have given us as we also lead others who might need the same guidance like us. And we shall also pray for the shepherds You have chosen through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.