The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 23, 2006
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Ephesians 2:13-18
Mark 6:30-34

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

How many times have Americans felt like sheep without a shepherd! “Whatever happened to the common good?” is a frequent question. In Jeremiah’s time in Israel, the poor were being so badly neglected, and the Lord’s precepts so forgotten or ignored, that God in anger declared, “I myself will shepherd my sheep!” He made good his promise by eventually sending his Son, the “Lord of Justice.” St. Paul, in the second reading, extols Christ as bringing back the scattered sheep, and preaching peace and oneness of worship for all people. He is the Good Shepherd whom all other shepherds, whether they be politicians, heads of families, or ecclesial leaders, must imitate.

The Gospel is truly fitting for these summer vacation months. It’s a good reminder that even Jesus wanted a little time out. The disciples have just come back after some strenuous preaching, exhausted from travel, with some of them probably discouraged at the indifference or lack of faith in their hearers. And how does Jesus respond? Not with a critique of their preaching, or fresh orders, but a gentle welcome home and suggestion that they all find a nice quiet place for some rest and relaxation.

Poor shepherding, the faster pace of life in general, and demands on our time and energy from so many sources, leave us sleep-deprived, lacking in energy, and cynical. Not knowing in what direction to focus, we end up doing poorly with our responsibilities and neglecting relationships. This hurts others and does damage to our joy in living. So we need to take the Gospel to heart this week. Do I take time every day with Mass, or if that is not possible, with solid time in silence, listening to the Lord? Do I ever go with a friend for a whole day of recollection? Do I ever think of a week of retreat at an approved retreat house?

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)