Daily Readings - Sun Jul 21 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of leadership, unity, and compassion. In the first reading from Jeremiah, we hear a stern warning to the shepherds of Israel who have failed to care for God’s people. Jeremiah condemns their neglect and promises that God will gather the scattered flock and appoint new shepherds who will lead with justice and integrity. This prophecy points to the coming of a righteous Messiah, a king who will bring peace and restore Israel. The reading reminds us that true leadership is not about power but about serving and caring for those entrusted to our care.
In the second reading from Ephesians, we see how Christ has fulfilled this promise of unity and peace. Through his sacrifice, Christ has broken down the walls of division between Jews and Gentiles, reconciling them into one body. This passage emphasizes that we are all part of the same family in Christ, and our shared life in him gives us access to the Father. The cross of Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s love, destroying enmity and creating peace. This reading calls us to live out this unity in our daily lives, recognizing that we are all one in Christ.
The Gospel from Mark brings these themes together in the person of Jesus. After the Apostles return from their mission, Jesus invites them to rest in a deserted place, showing his concern for their well-being. When he sees the crowds, he takes pity on them, describing them as “sheep without a shepherd.” This image echoes Jeremiah’s prophecy, as Jesus reveals himself as the true shepherd who teaches and cares for the people. Mark’s account reminds us that Jesus’ compassion knows no bounds, and he calls us to follow his example by being present to others and sharing his love.
These readings challenge us to reflect on how we lead and care for one another in our own lives. Are we shepherds who guide with kindness and integrity, or do we neglect those around us? They also remind us of the unity we share in Christ and the peace he has won for us. Let us strive to live as instruments of God’s love, bringing reconciliation and compassion to a world in need. And when we feel overwhelmed, let us remember that Jesus invites us to rest in him, trusting in his promise to restore and renew us.