SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

READINGS AT MASS

Jer. 23:1-6

Psalm 23

Eph. 2:13-18

Mark 6:30-34

Theme: SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

Life can be difficult when lived without guidance and direction. We all, at some point in life, need a shoulder to stand on, a hand to support and push us up, and a finger to point us in the right direction. Our dependence on others for our growth is even more profound in an era of "whom you know." We are hopeless without a generous shoulder and a kind finger. Human beings cannot survive without a generous leadership.

In today's Gospel, Jesus used the metaphor of "sheep without a shepherd" to describe the miserable state of the crowd (and humanity as a whole). To appreciate this metaphor, we have to understand the nature of sheep. Unlike other animals, sheep are not survivors. They do not have any sense of flight or fight. They are not strong independent creatures, not proud hunters, or fierce predators. Instead, they are dumb, defenseless, and directionless. Finding themselves at the end of the food chain, sheep are vulnerable and dependent on their shepherd for direction and protection. In stringent terms, sheep cannot survive without a shepherd. Sheep without a shepherd is a sign of military defeat and vulnerability. It is a situation that favors the enemy (Judith 11:15).  For this reason, Moses, before his death, prayed to God to appoint someone over the community to go out and come in before them so they not be like sheep without a shepherd (Num. 27:15-18). So to describe the people as sheep without a shepherd is an honest observation about their misery and vulnerability. Bluntly, but honestly, such is human life without Christ.

Beloved, we are sheep in need of a shepherd. Like sheep, we are dumb, defenseless, and directionless. Our survival depends on the presence of a Shepherd. We are miserable and helpless without one. Unfortunately, the human shepherds who are supposed to direct, protect, and provide for us have failed in this duty (First Reading). Their failure has rendered us helpless and prone to harassment like "sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' metaphor is indeed a fitting description for our generation. We are left in the wilderness of life without a defense; no one to protect or direct us and no shoulder to carry us.

However, God, who has promised not to leave His people without a shepherd, has given us a true shepherd in Jesus Christ. He is the Lord who has become our Shepherd to cater and provide for us in the wilderness of this life. Unlike the human leaders who cannot feel the plight of the herd, He has compassion because He feels what we feel. Indeed, no one but Jesus Christ can lead us. Without Jesus Christ, we are just like "sheep without a shepherd".

 PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, lead me through the wilderness of this life. Point me in the right direction, give me a shoulder to stand on. May your hand support and push me in climbing and may I not be harassed like a sheep without a shepherd. Amen.

 May God bless you.

 -Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.