He came to bring the good news of peace
The shepherding care of God is a central theme of today’s readings. This divine shepherding brings reconciliation and ends false separation.
Jeremiah (First Reading) shows great courage as he castigates the rulers of his day, describing them as corrupt, irresponsible shepherds. But he also foresees that God will raise up other shepherds with integrity, who will be true leaders of their people.
This prophesy is fulfilled in the Gospel, where Jesus sees the people as ‘sheep without a shepherd’. His loving concern for them reveals him as the Good Shepherd, who offers food for hearts and souls and bodies. He also tends the tired apostles, inviting them to rest awhile, affirming a balanced life that includes times of reflection and rest as well as activity.
Today’s Psalm is the famous song of confidence and trust in the Lord as ‘my shepherd’: the God who is with his people in times of both challenge, and of rest and celebration.
St Paul (Second Reading) offers us the basis for a profound understanding of human interconnectedness and unity as children of the one creator. Christ Jesus brings all peoples together: he is the great unifier and peacemaker.
This week, we pray for peace for innocent victims of war throughout our polarised world, and ask for the individual and collective courage and humility that leads to forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us also follow the invitation of Jesus when we can: ‘Come … rest for a while in my presence …’.
