Daily Readings - Sun Jul 18 2021
Jeremiah
1"Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD.2Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done," declares the LORD.3"I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number.4I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.5"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.6In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
Ephesians
13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Mark
30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the theme of shepherding and leadership, highlighting God's promise of compassionate guidance and unity. The first reading from Jeremiah criticizes leaders who neglect their flock, promising instead a righteous leader from David's line—foreshadowing Jesus. This sets the stage for understanding the need for true, selfless leadership.
Ephesians bridges this theme by illustrating how Christ, the ultimate shepherd, unites all people, breaking down barriers and reconciling humanity through His sacrifice. This reading emphasizes that Christ's mission is one of peace and unity, extending beyond cultural or religious divisions, inviting us to be part of this reconciled body.
In Mark's Gospel, Jesus exemplifies this shepherding role. Despite the Apostles' exhaustion, Jesus' compassion leads Him to teach the crowd, demonstrating that true leadership involves caring for others' needs. This calls us to reflect on our own roles as shepherds in our communities, encouraging us to lead with empathy and kindness.
As we apply these teachings to our lives, we are reminded to seek guidance from the Good Shepherd and to emulate His care in our interactions. By doing so, we become instruments of God's peace, fostering unity and compassion in our world. Let us trust in God's plan and strive to be shepherds of love and reconciliation, just as Christ has shown us.