Lessons from Sheep: Shepherding Insights

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mark 6:30-34

Sheep Herding Comments on Reddit

1. As a shepherdess, you have to be ready to throw down against coyotes, cougars, and eagles, then turn around to see a lamb has drowned itself in a water bucket.
2. Taking good care of sheep can be a dirty, exhausting business. Trimming hooves, shearing, health issues, lambing, even just setting up and taking down paddock fences in July is dirty, sweaty work. It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked, and easily the most physically demanding work I’ve done on a consistent basis.

The Need

When Jesus 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.

The Action

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have;
God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

Reflection

The Responsorial Psalm (means “sacred song“) today is Psalm 23. a widely accepted, reassuring-reflective psalm on the benevolent care of the Lord. The LORD is my shepherd. He does the dirty, exhausting business of caring for us.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose.
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.

The Apostles, after being sent out two by two, returned to share the wonderful healing stories and to rest in the Lord.

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."

Come to Mass and rest a while. Rest in Jesus.

Tomorrow, the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we encounter Jesus calling Simon, as well as, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Calling them. As sheep first and then as to-be Shepherds.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020825.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry