Commentary: Jeremiah was a prophet during the time of the Exile in Israel’s history. These were dark days for the Israelites. Many had rebelled against God’s commandments. The most culpable of these were the leaders who not only disobeyed God but led the people away from Him. The leaders of the Israelites (most especially, the Davidic king) were set in place by God to lead the people in right worship of Him. Instead, they were misleading the people into idolatry and immorality. In today’s first reading we hear the Prophet Jeremiah declaring the Lord’s words of warning to the leaders, referred to as “shepherds.” God promised to punish their sins and did so by allowing the Exile to occur in which the leaders were stripped of their authority and driven out of the Promised Land. But He also promised restoration. The scattered flock would be regathered. A “remnant” (a group that remained faithful) would be brought back under new shepherds. And God would raise up a new Davidic king to govern His people with wisdom and justice. This king, of course, is Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd who draws back the lost sheep and brings restoration and salvation.
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18
Commentary: Here the Apostle Paul refers to two groups of people who are not identified by name in this passage. The two groups have been brought together as one in Christ. The group that was “far off” and the group that was “near” have been reconciled and found peace. But who are these two groups? In order to properly understand this passage from Ephesians we must know the context. In Paul’s day, there was conflict between Jewish believers and Gentile believers. The Jews were the chosen people of God. They had God’s commandments and right worship. They were “near” to God. But the Gentiles were generally polytheistic, worshipping many pagan gods and, thus, were “far off” from the one, true God. But in Christ, both groups were brought together. Those who had previously had a “dividing wall of enmity” between them were reconciled. Jesus is the ultimate peace-maker. He broke down the walls and brought unity to division. He welcomed both Jews and Gentiles into the Church with equal dignity and they found their new, unified identity in Him.
Gospel Reading: Mark 6:30-34
Commentary: Last week we heard about Jesus sending out the Twelve Apostles in pairs to preach, heal, and cast out demons. He was commissioning them to lead the Church and carry on His ministry. Today we hear about their return. Wouldn’t it be incredible to have been a fly on the wall when they “reported all they had done and taught”? They must have had some amazing stories to tell! We can only imagine how they felt after their outreach efforts. They were probably exhilarated and exhausted at the same time. Jesus’ next step for them is significant. He calls them to “come away” and “rest awhile.” Certainly after their travels and ministry they needed physical rest. But they also need spiritual rest for the renewal of their souls. They needed, in particular, to contemplate what they had experienced. Jesus teaches us an important lesson here too. Living the Christian life and ministering to others is not just about the “doing.” Sometimes we can get so busy doing things that we forget to stop and breathe for a little while—to just be in Jesus’ presence. To grow in relationship with God does not just involve doing things for God, it involves resting in God. At times, we need to stop and “come away” and “rest awhile.” We need to take time to reflect and listen to God. We regularly need to just be in God’s presence through prayer and contemplation, rather than constantly busying ourselves with doing things, even if those things are good. In the case of today’s gospel reading, that get away was interrupted by the crowds flocking to Jesus and the Apostles. The people yearned for what Jesus had to offer. They were hungry for the truth. They were lost and looking for the answers. Reminiscent of today’s first reading, “they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus came to gather the scattered flock to Him, the Good Shepherd. And He continues to do that today. Many people in our society are searching. They are looking for love and happiness but are seeking it in all the wrong places. Jesus is the answer to all of our searching. He is the Good Shepherd who calls us by name and desires for us to follow Him. He continues to shepherd us through the ministry of the Church, which is led by shepherds Jesus has called to pastor His people, from our parish priests to our Archbishop and all the way up to the Pope. Jesus has not left us without guidance. He continues to guide the Church and help us know and love Him through it.
Taking it Home:
Take time this week out of your busy schedule to “come away” and “rest awhile” with Jesus. Start with just 10 minutes a day to talk with and listen to Jesus. Allow Him to shepherd you.