Sunday 19th July – 16th Sunday of the year

CHRIST: THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Mark 6: 30-34

“He took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to teach them at some length” Mk 6:34

The image of sheep needing a shepherd to guide them is one that very well describes us as young Christians. We are vulnerable and therefore need to be constantly guided and mentored. Just as Jesus was eager to teach the crowd in today’s gospel reading, so also does He earnestly desire to teach us.

He is the good shepherd who never abandons us even in the most inconvenient moment; the good shepherd who willingly lays down his life for the sheep (Jn 10:11). As loving as a good shepherd is, he has no power to protect the sheep that strays. Even though he makes effort to find the lost sheep, as long as the sheep is yet to be found, it remains an easy prey to wild animals. Hence, in our youthful exuberance and desire to be independent, let us not leave Christ’s covering. He guides us through our families, the Church, our teachers and other superiors. Let us not turn deaf ears to them as they try to guide us aright.

Dear friends, the crowd in today’s reading sought after Christ and got His attention and teaching as a reward. Are you willing to seek after Christ too? Are you willing to studying His word, to spend time with Him in prayer and to be united with Him in the Eucharist? Seek after Him beloved and you will receive all the direction and care the good shepherd has for you.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank you for your constant care and direction. Please help me not to remove myself from your protection that I may not be prey to the evil ones. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 471 – Why is Abraham a model of prayer?

Abraham listened to God. He was willing to set out for wherever God commanded and to do what God willed. By his listening and his readiness to make a new start, he is a model for our prayer.

HIDE A TREASURE: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” John 10: 27 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Psalm 23: 1-6; Ephesians 3: 13-18; Mark 6: 30-34