Wellspring of Scripture

 

Year B: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Jeremiah 23: 1-6  

When Jesus looked at the crowds who had followed the apostles and himself into the lonely place, he saw people desperate for someone to shepherd them - to care for them - to guide and direct them.

 

The image of the shepherd goes back into the history of the Jewish people. As a people brought up in a pastoral culture, the image of the shepherd leading his sheep - caring for their needs - was familiar and comforting and a good way to describe the kind of leadership that they required.

 

Such leadership requires skill and compassion. It means knowing the people in the flock - and having special concern for the weak and frail. Unfortunately, leadership brings with it a sense of power - and, as the saying goes, “power corrupts”. The one appointed as shepherd to the people becomes like an unscrupulous hired hand - willing to take the money for minding the sheep - but not willing to put their needs first. As a consequence, the sheep wander - become sick - some are lost to wild animals - and what should be a healthy flock of well-cared for sheep becomes a collection of straggly survivors.

 

Where the flock is the chosen people of God, the consequences are severe - their “shepherds” have failed the people and now Israel is crumbling before the people’s eyes. They are losing their land and being sent into exile. That which should have been protected has been handed over to the enemy.

 

However, the God who is the greatest of shepherds to His people - is also a God of justice who will not abandon those who trust in Him. The earthly shepherds may have failed but God will not and, through Jeremiah, promises that one day a new - perfect Shepherd will be raised up from the house of David - the shepherd become king. In his day, the faithful remnant will be gathered and find safety and consolation in his presence.

 

 

What does it mean for me?

Waterlily It is not flattering to be referred to as sheep - but put that to one side and try to visualise the scene created by Jeremiah. Catch glimpses of the trust sheep have in their shepherd and allow the insights to deepen your own faith and confidence in God.

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