Greetings on this the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jer 23:1-6; Ps 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6; Eph 2:13-18; Mk 6:30-34
The Placement of the Portion
- The Mission of the Twelve.
- Herod and John the Baptist stories interrupts the flow with the example of a bad Shepherd.
- The Return of the Twelve.
- The Feeding of the Five Thousand.
Summary
Our gospel portion today is the Return (#3) and the beginning of the Feeding (#4). Here we see the Apostles already given the knowledge and power of the Lord yet now needing the ordinary food and rest of the body. In the deserted place the Apostles rested while the Lord continued to work, he began to teach them [the People] many things. Soon Jesus will provide the extraordinary food for both the Disciples and the People (#4).
We can see that in both cases the Lord provided the knowing of the Lord then the needs of the body. The ordinary knowing, the extraordinary knowing. The ordinary food, the extraordinary food. The good Shepherd knows what we need in all its dimensions. And he provides for us.
Reflection
Of all the things we hunger for, spiritual hunger is at the top of the list! The curing of illness and the feeding of the body are but examples of the divine care that finds its rest in the spiritual hunger for the Lord. To know and be known.
In both cases the priority was the spiritual connection, not the stomach.
Personal Reflection
Spiritual hunger is a good sign! O that we would always recognize spiritual hunger and not mask it with other things or redirect ourselves to false and momentary relief. No! Let us always hunger for the spiritual comfort from the Good Shepherd.
Sacred Scripture
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072124.cfm
First Reading
I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply. I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the LORD.
Responsorial
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Second Reading
Brothers and sisters: In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ.
Gospel Acclamation
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel
The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry